Until the Holy Spirit gave me this title, I had never connected covert sin with James 4:17 before. It says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” All “good”and “bad” actions come from our thoughts.

Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” Unforgiveness is covert sin that can lead to open sin. Our words can crush or heal. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Spewing verbal death words come from harboring sin in our heart against that person we just slimed. We are called to edify or build up others. Since we know that is God’s way (doing good) and we don’t do it ~ that is sin.