If you have to do with one who is unquestionably a…
“If you have to do with one who is unquestionably a slanderer, do not excuse him by calling him frank and free-spoken; do not call one who is notoriously vain, liberal and elegant; do not call dangerous levities mere simplicity; do not screen disobedience under the name of zeal; or arrogance, of frankness; or evil intimacy, of friendship. No, my friends, we must never, in our wish to shun slander, foster or flatter vice in others: but we must call evil evil, and sin sin, and so doing we shall serve God's glory.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True moral clarity requires naming wrongdoing directly rather than disguising it with flattering language.
In simple terms: Call bad actions bad, not with nice words.
Key Takeaway
Label wrongdoing plainly.
Themes
morality
integrity
communication
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
ethical
didactic
When to use this quote
- family disputes
- workplace criticism
- political debate
- social media commentary
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you address harmful behavior without alienating the person?
- When is diplomatic language appropriate?
A Different Perspective
People may resist direct criticism, fearing conflict.