Articles
Remember How You Ought to Speak
Remember How You Ought to Speak
Let these biblical exhortations regarding her speech sink into your minds and hearts.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29)
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you all to answer each person.” (Col. 4:6)
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be Thanksgiving.” (Eph. 5:4)
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)
Today, our public discourse has become uncivil, uncouth, and unseemly. Vitriolic speech that is crusty, crass, and crude seems to be the order of the day. It’s heard on TV shows, movies, newscast, and political rallies. Words are allowed to be broadcast that just a few years ago would have been bleeped. In addition, the discourse between political rivals is often insulting, the meaning, and at the very least disrespectful.
It’s imperative that in this era of maligning others with derogatory and disparaging names, that Christians rise above the fray. This applies in our homes between husbands and wives, parents and children, and in social interactions. Also, in our professions, in church business meetings, on the basketball court and ballfield, and on Facebook, Twitter, text messages, and all social media.
Finally, remember the sober warning of King Jesus: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:36-37)
