Godly Talk
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who love it and indulge in it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Pr. 18:21 AMP
“…it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Mt. 15:11 ESV
“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.” Mt. 12:36, 37. ESV
It is glaringly apparent that the spoken word carries enormous weight - determining both your present standing with God and your outcome at the judgment seat of Christ.
It’s also vividly demonstrable that many people don’t care, as you see the vitriol, barrage of lies, name-calling and degradative speech being carelessly spewed out of the mouths of our media, the government and its constituents.
As with performing all things, God also tells us how to communicate in a godly manner. After all, He made our mouths (Ex. 4:11) and has a purpose for its use.
We begin by listening first, placing our full attention on the speaker until he or she has completed their thoughts before we respond:
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Pr. 18:13 ESV
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Pr. 18:2 ESV
Similarly, we see a lack of respect in those who try to shout down others who are trying to share their ideas.
A godly communicator would listen first and then reflect to the speaker what they thought they heard, and impart to them what they thought the meaning or what was said meant. This way, any misunderstanding could be rapidly cleared up.
Then the listener would slow down their own thought processes and gently express a succinct response which shows the speaker they have heard and understood.
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. Pr. 15:28. NKJV
When a godly communicator speaks, he or she places great value on speaking truth:
Love…does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Cor. 13:4 & 6. ESV
Ultimately, whom is the author of lies (the same one we emulate when we lie)?
He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Jn. 8:44 ESV
That’s right, the devil himself. So, lying does not sit well with God:
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. Pr. 12:22 NKJV
When we lie, we are speaking hate, not love:
A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Pr. 26:28 NASB
Instead, we can walk with God and ask Him to strengthen us in our spirit to practice loving godly talk. After all, He listens to everything we say:
For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold O LORD, You know it all together. Ps. 139:4 NKJV
God listens because He loves you and wants you to stay connected to Him. That’s why He tells us how to perpetuate our godly talk:
Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. Col. 4:6 AMP
Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 1 Pt. 3:10 ESV
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 ESV
A godly communicator engages their hearts before wagging their tongues - speaking truth with love, edifying those around them, and allowing God to channel Himself through their speech.
There is power on your tongue. Use it for godly talk. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish for the kingdom: lifting one out of the doldrums, helping another get back on track with God, calling out for justice and spreading the gospel message of salvation, to name a few…
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. Pr. 12:25 NASB
He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue. Pr. 28:23 AMPC
Open your mouths for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously defend the rights of the poor and needy. Pr. 31:8, 9. ESV
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” Jn. 6:63 NKJV
Nice talking to you…
Goodnight and God bless.