Monday, August 3, 2026

          As you may know, the Bible has much to say about the way we speak.  With our mouths, we can bring glory to God or shame to ourselves.  James wrote in his letter, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing” (James 3:5-10a).  We often have to return to this warning from James to check our speech and to see how we use the voices that God has given and entrusted to us. 
            Proverbs also has much to say about our speech.  Proverbs is the wisdom book of the Bible.  Reading faithfully through Proverbs is an immersive education in God’s ways and wisdom—an education that can help us navigate our way through life.  For example, Proverbs 14:3 says, “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.”  Take a moment to meditate on this simple verse.  Read it a few times silently to yourself.  A few important truths stand out for us to see.  First, Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, gives us a contrast between those who are fools and those who are wise.  A fool has little, if any regard to what he says of the fallout that might ensue.  A fool, generally speaking, is concerned with the moment at hand and saying whatever may be most convenient or expedient in the heat of the moment.  But the wise individual takes time to speak consistently and thoughtfully.  The wise man or woman seeks to bring glory to God and is not motivated by earthly esteem or favor.
            Second, we can lash out in speech or choose our words with wisdom and restraint.  A fool often lashes out with little regard for where the words will land and the damage they may cause to others or the testimony of Christ.  The wise person will speak with restraint and measured consideration—hoping to make situations better rather than worse.  In some cases, there may be no reason to speak at all—and doing so may do little to change hearts and minds.  Proverbs 17:28 reminds us, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”  Occasionally, even a fool makes a wise choice.  But those who love the Lord realize that keeping silent may be a good course of action to follow in many circumstances. 
            Third, pride can often surface in our speech.  We may speak to make ourselves look better when compared to others.  We may speak to present ourselves in a deceptive way—enhancing our reputation in ways that we know are simply false.  A concocted story often takes much more time and many more words than simply speaking in truthfulness and humility.  President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was only 272 words long and took about two minutes to deliver.  Yet, it stands as one of American history’s greatest speeches. There is power in brevity.  And those who are wise, faithful and humble will see the importance of brevity in how they speak.  Consider today the power of your speech.  You may never speak to masses and great crowds but you can use your words to serve the Lord, to share the gospel, to make amends in a broken relationship and to bring a blessing to a family member or friend.  Have a great Monday!