Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
If you watched the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, you’ll remember that it was heavily criticized due to toxic fan behavior, with spectators abusing players and their families.
Critics, including legends such as Gary Player, labeled it the “worst” event in golf. Fans reported, and videos showed, obscene chants, personal insults targeting players, and even a drink allegedly thrown at Rory McIlroy’s wife.
“No player in modern Ryder Cup history endured the relentless, systematic dehumanization McIlroy faced on Saturday,” wrote Golf Digest’s Joel Beall. “It was one of the most shameful spectacles this event has seen—a sustained campaign of cruelty that should embarrass every golf fan and America.”
Tom Watson expressed shame over the “rudeness” of the American crowd. The behavior was widely condemned, with PGA of America President Don Rea admitting the conduct was “disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative” of the organization.
After the event, opinions on social media about the behavior spilled over into political, cultural, or religious viewpoints. I was uncomfortable, ashamed, and exasperated to read posts by “golfers” who should know better.
I bring this up because I appreciate social media for the opportunity to connect with those people I have lost touch with over the years. I also enjoy reading other people’s thoughts.
However, I’m taking a sabbatical from Facebook for Lent because the cost outweighs the benefit of viewing some of my “friends” whose posts betray the very God-honoring values they claim to hold.
I’m not judging the decision of those who conclude that, for themselves, the benefit still outweighs the cost and who make appropriate adjustments not to post or repost things that hinder their witness for Christ.
With that said, Eric Geiger, a pastor in Irvine, CA, wrote some Biblical Proverbs for Wise Social Media Use. These points were too good not to share. I’ve done some editing.
Don’t share everything in your life. That would be stupid. – A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity (Prov. 12:23).
The story you are tempted to be jealous of on social media is likely not the whole story. –One person pretends to be rich but has nothing; another pretends to be poor but has abundant wealth (Prov. 13:7).
Don’t waste time trying to correct trolls. That will only increase hate. –Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you (Prov. 9:8).
You should not talk about every issue or comment on every event. –When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent (Prov. 10:19).
Stop following foolish people. – Stay away from a foolish person; you will gain no knowledge from his speech (Prov. 14:7).
Don’t build an audience on anger. –A quick-tempered person acts foolishly, and one who schemes is hated (Prov. 14:17).
Don’t get sucked into an echo chamber of fools. –The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm (Prov. 13:20).
People on social media can turn on you quickly. Real friends stick with you online and off. – One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24).
Tell the truth and only share things you know are true. – Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight (Prov. 12:22).
I hope these Proverbs will help you decide whether to “should I or shouldn’t I” when you communicate on social media.
Prayer: O Lord, make me quick to listen, slow to post, and even slower to post in anger, so that my tongue might not become a restless evil, full of deadly poison. I pray this in the name of the God to whom I shall have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word that I have uttered on social media. Amen. (via “Prayers for the Pilgrimage” by David O. Taylor)