As we continue to look at the applications of God’s wisdom in our lives, (see Part 2 and Part 3 of this series), let us now focus on being wise about what comes out of our mouths.
Speeches, books, recordings, conversation. Our entire reality is expressed in and through language. The ability to communicate this reality is a gift from God, and He takes the way that we use that gift quite seriously:
“Who makes a person’s mouth?…Is it not I, the LORD?” Ex. 4:11 NLT
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
Christ also impresses upon us the weightiness attached to the wagging of our tongues:
“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Mt. 15:11 NLT
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil… 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. 12:34 – 37. ESV
That gives you a new perspective, yes? What comes out of your mouth determines your present-time standing with God and those same words will be judged at the end of time, determining whether there will be heaven or hell to pay.
It behooves us then to remember that none of our words get past Jehovah:
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. Ps. 139:4 NLT
Keeping that remembrance, let us practice godly (loving) speech.
A man has joy in making an appropriate answer, and how good and delightful is a word spoken in the right moment – how good it is! Pr. 15:23 AMP
To help us facilitate this, let’s consider some of the mechanics of effective speech. First, we dismiss the chatter in our heads, in order to listen in present time, without being preoccupied with how we want to respond.
As we are listening, we provide an open space for the speaker to empty out whatever is on their heart and / or mind without interrupting. Then, we should reflect back to him or her what we thought we heard, as well as what we understood them to mean. That gives us the opportunity to have any misunderstandings corrected. Lastly, we carefully consider the spoken words, and respond with love and kindness:
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer… Pr. 15:28 NKJV
The Bible also shows us the antithesis of this approach, and its pitfalls:
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Pr. 18:13 NLT
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. Pr. 18:2 CSB
When we come from love, we slow down our thoughts, and gently choose a succinct response, that lets the speaker know we have carefully contemplated their words and that our answer was given from our understanding of what was said:
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking… Pr. 15:28 NLT
Let’s ponder then, what happens when God’s wisdom is not applied. First, we’ll see an ungodly imbalance in the contextual patterns of our speech:
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Jas. 3:10 NKJV
Consider another ungodly (hateful) use of the tongue – telling lies:
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies perishes. Pr. 19:9 CSB
A lying tongue hates its victims… Pr. 26:28 NLT
Also, look at what happens when you let your ego run your tongue:
…you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Jas. 4:16 CSB
Another example of ungodly speech is that which spews out or the mouth of the small-mined mocker, who finds delight in the misfortunes of others:
He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; he who rejoices over calamity will not go unpunished. Pr. 17:5 NASB
Lastly, similar to the prideful, are those who piously puff themselves up:
“These people approach me with their speeches to honor me with lip service, yet their hearts are far from me…” Is. 29:13 CSB
Okay, we’ve seen what not to have spewing from our mouths. Let’s take a look at how being wise with our speech brings us blessings from God and how we can convey His blessings to others.
First, we need to pray to God to ask Him to move on our behalf, (asking when in right relationship with Jehovah), so that we can carry out His will more effectively:
You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives… Jas. 4:2, 3. NASB
When our hearts are aligned with God, we can reflect HIs will in our speech:
No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. Eph. 4:29 CSB
“…whatever the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” 1 Kin. 22:14 NKJV
When Jehovah is with us, our tongues have the power to do good. First, we can lift people up:
A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life… Pr. 15:4 AMP
We can speak truth to confused souls:
Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and lead to peace. Zech. 8:16 NLT
People will depend on what we say, because we are promise-keepers:
“You shall be careful to perform what goes out of your lips…” Dt. 23:23 NASB
And we can take a stand for justice:
Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. Pr. 31:8, 9. CSB
The highest and best application of our voice is using it to relate to our Creator:
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Ps. 105:1, 2. NKJV
Finally, we have been blessed with salvation, we are divinely directed to gather others to the kingdom to experience the same.
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Tim. 4:2 NLT
Talk isn’t cheap. It’s people who cheapen talk.
Your words are powerful, and God will move heaven and earth to make them come to fruition. Why? Because He cherishes you…
Part 5 coming soon!
Goodnight and God bless.