We like to throw the word around without remembering its true meaning. Today we mark the beheadings of John the Baptist, and Herod is the true hypocrite. Remember that the word is a Greek theater term, it refers to acting, acting behind a mask. Herod tries to hide murder behind the mask of virtue, the virtue of being true to his word, the virtue of keeping a promise.
In our culture how often do we mask unchristian behavior as virtue. Why is it that every time I hear someone decry political correctness is it followed by an unchristian remark about some person or group. Speaking one's mind is only a virtue if when we do our best to speak with the mind of Christ.
There is a reason why when we confess our sins we confess "in my thoughts and in my words..."
Imagine our political discourse from left and right, if we heeded Ephesians 4:29
No foul language should come out of your mouths, but say only such as is good for needed edification that it may impart grace to those who hear.
If each of us observes that rule, then speaking our mind is a virtue, the rest is rudeness and often sin.
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