“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine”
(Titus 2:1)
There is much given in scripture concerning not only being careful but constructive with our words. We know that our tongue can, and maybe has at times gotten us into trouble. It is even referred to as fire and hard to tame (James 3:1-12). One of the best ways to remedy this is to focus on using our words to do good. I definitely have the power within myself to say the things I should and use my words to the benefit of those around me.
Don’t say things that are useless. Sometimes we can talk for hours about nothing and never get to the heart of the matter. Small talk and introductory statements are fine, for a while, but when it comes to spiritual matters stand on and use the Word (1 Pet 3:15).
There is an old joke about a preacher who was just beating around the bush in his sermon. One man who was late to the service whispered to one seated next to him, “what is the sermon on?” The response given was “he don’t say.” Throughout the Bible, we see great men of God who spoke the Word without reservation and did so passionately (Rom 1:16).
Empty statements should be avoided (1 John 3:18). It is great to speak as we should but our actions need to show we are serious about the things we say. The old cliche “say what you mean and mean what you say” definitely carries a lot of wisdom. It really is the things I do and not just what I say that defines my character.
We should be speaking truth in love (Eph 4:15). So many of the things that are said today are done so far removed from this idea. An angry individual is very rarely persuasive in their choice of words (1 Cor 13). When we come across as angry or condescending while speaking on spiritual matters, we will push the person away that we are speaking to or even be putting a barrier between ourselves and them. Another old saying, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” certainly rings true here.
Always speak honestly. Ephesians 4:25 tells us “speak every man truth with his neighbor.” Honesty is the cornerstone of our relationship with our fellow man.
Speak boldly, that is confidently, and we can do that by simply speaking to others the things we know that are true and right in the eyes of God (John 17:17, Acts 4:20).
Jason Barger