What we say shows our real attitude toward others. How we talk reveals what we are really like. Our speech is a test of how wise we have become. Speech skills, how we talk, what we say, and how it is perceived is an extremely important part of our Christian living. Our speech is an important life skill that needs to be learned and cultivated. The Word of God tells us much about how we are to speak to others. Let’s take a look at some of these.
What are the intentions of our words? When we speak, do we intend to deceive the person or people we are talking to? Are the words we speak devious and meant to do harm rather than good?
Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. (Prov 4:24 NASB 1995)
When we intend to deceive, our words come out in a way the person we are speaking with likes to hear. We can flatter and boost the way people feel about themselves. In the end, however, our desire is to sway them our way or get something from them they may not normally give.
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey And smoother than oil is her speech; (Prov 5:3 NASB 1995)
The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov 16:21 NASB 1995)
If you wish to help others with your words and experience, you must seek the wisdom to do so. Then, you must convey your thoughts with words of compassion and gentleness.
Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. (Prov 17:7 NASB 1995)
I have met a few people who use though hundred thousand dollar college words to make people think they are smart. But their actions prove otherwise. I have even met people who can quote Scripture with no problem. But when it comes to applying that knowledge, they fall very short of the mark.
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. (Prov 19:1 NASB 1995)
There are far too many people running around in this world speaking things that should not be spoken aloud. And they have no care that it offends others around them. But for those who are the hearers of these words, if they hold strong to their beliefs and continue to walk in them, not being swayed by the words of the perverse, then their reward will be great.
Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? (Ecc 5:6 NASB 1995)
There have been times when I said something and immediately regretted it. I felt I should have said it differently or not at all. But then there were times when those words came back to me to find they actually helped someone. This is not to say we should not pay attention to what we say or how we say it. But, it shows that God can use our words and actions to His glory. We should not look at what we said as a means to give up trying which leads us into sin. Rather, we should ask God to use our words to His glory and help us to say the right things when called upon.
For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, Because their speech and their actions are against the Lord, To rebel against His glorious presence. (Isa 3:8 NASB 1995)
When we give into the ways of the world rather than stand on the commands of God, we sin and fall away from Him.
For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (Rom 16:18 NASB 1995)
The world walks in their own ways. Yet, Jesus has asked us to take up our cross and follow Him daily. The world speaks whatever words they want without thought of how they may affect the people around them. We, as Christians, must be aware of the words we speak and put on the full armor of God to defend against the words of the world.
so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Cor 1:7 NASB 1995)
In all we say and do we must do so in anticipation of our Lord’s return. The world says, “He is never coming” and therefore they do what is not pleasing in the eyes of the Lord.
So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. (1 Cor 14:9 NASB 1995)
This verse is important in a number of ways. It tells us that if we are not clear in what we are saying, those around us will not understand. It also points out an issue with those who claim to speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is to speak in a different language. The Scriptures are very clear on how we are to do this. If we are speaking a language that others do not understand, then we must have an interpreter. If not, it is like speaking into the air where the wind blows away our speech.
Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, (2 Cor 3:12 NASB 1995)
Boldness does not mean loud. It means to speak with conviction and not to allow fear to keep us from speaking.
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. (Col 3:8 NASB 1995)
These kinds of words tear down relationships and builds worldliness rather than godliness.
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Col 4:6 NASB 1995)
Be aware of what you say and how you say it. This is a common theme throughout the Bible.
For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— (1 The 2:5 NASB 1995)
In my ministries I have met and heard of so many church leaders who are only there for the money and power. The Apostles set the example of how we are to lead. We are not to flatter people and entice them into giving money. We are to boldly preach the gospel and rely on God to provide the things we need. We are to be grateful for what He gives and use it to His glory.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1 Tim 4:12 NASB 1995)
I have always said, “We need to be an example of THE Example (Jesus Christ)”. When people look at us, they should see Jesus in us.
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8 NASB 1995)