From the Heart to the Mouth: A Biblical Perspective on Speech

According to reference.com, a University of Arizona study found that most people speak about 16,000 words a day. Wow! That's a lot of words to say each day. I wonder how many of those words are spoken in love and compasstion. Ephesians 4:29 states, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." The scripture says "any" which means it is NEVER ok to use unwholesome talk. OUCH! That is hard to do. However, if God says that is best, then that should be my goal! When I fall short, I should repent and apologize for my speech.

If we were saying 16,000 words a day that met the criteria listed in Ephesians, the world would be a better place! Proverbs 10:19 declares, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." This tells us that too many words lead to sin, but when we retrain the tongue we are showing care. Why would too many words lead to sin? Well, if you only spoke words that are wholesome and used for building others up, you most likely wouldn't need to say nearly as much. As the saying goes, "A little goes a long way!" Think of how often you compliment someone or encourage them to do a good job versus how often you complain about how someone acted or gossip about someone's life. I am certain I would benefit myself and others by saying less words each day! Proverbs 21:23 gives great advice, "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity."

The book of James has several pieces of instruction on words. In the first chapter, James encourages his fellow believers by saying, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," (James 1:19). We say a lot of words each day, but how well do we listen to the words of others? God gave us two ears and one mouth! We can deduce that He expects us to hear more than we speak. Later in James chapter three, we are given more clarification on the power of the tongue, "The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself." Well, that's intense! But think about it, someone's words can affect you for the rest of your life. I am sure we all had a teacher or classmate in school that said negative words to us that influenced our future and made us believe a lie about ourselves that hung around into adulthood. Words matter! Finally in James 3:10, we hear why our tongues are so problematic, "And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" We use the same mouth to worship our Lord and Savior that we use to curse those who wrong us. Do you think God wants us to praise Him with the same tongue that curses one of His children?

We've read a lot about what not to do, so now let's look at what Scripture tells us to do! Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." How you say something can really effect how it is received! When we speak with grace and kindness, correction and rebuke is much easier to accept. However, when words of hatred and condemnation are used to correct, anger is typically the result. Psalm 141:3 lets us know how to keep our mouths in control, "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." If we do not pray and ask for God's help to control our tongues, we will fail! Psalm 19:14 encourages me, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." When I remember that God hears everything I say, it helps me to speak in a way that honors Him and others. When I don't remember this verse, I am more likely to use words that would not be pleasing to my Heavenly Father.

Next time you go to speak, think first! Is what you are about to say necessary? Will it benefit those listening? Proverbs 10:31 informs us, "The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off." Are you giving wise advice? Is your speech going to encourage and edify the listener? I am confident if we set our minds on things above and not on earthly things, we would talk A LOT less! Let this encourage you to work on controlling your tongue. Not only for those in your life, but for you as well!

If your tongue has already caused problems in your life that you are unable to fix, contact us! We would love to hear your story and help you navigate a way to restoration. God can redeem ALL things for His glory. Don't let your past mistakes prevent you from obtaining the future God has for you! Check out our YouTube video for more teaching.

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