[Special] Are You Being Careful with the Words that Pass through Your Lips?
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March 13, 2011 |
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There are words that are allowed to be spoken and there are those that are not ever to be spoken. We have to speak the words that are appropriate for the situation and the listeners. It is recorded in Proverbs 10:19, "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Even good words that are spoken too much and spoken without restraint may not give grace to the listener. Also, words that may be spoken with good intention may be mistaken and be misunderstood by others.
Our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 15:18, "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man," and Matthew 12:35, "The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil." Accordingly, although you have not committed sins in action, when you are not cautious about your words, you are found to be slow in receiving answers and blessings from God.
As warned in the first half of Proverbs 13:2, "From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good," you should examine your words always and set a guard over your mouth so that you can receive whatever you have asked of God.
 No Careless Word Allowed!
Jesus teaches us saying in Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment." It is true that we can be forgiven of any sin when we repent and turn back, but the problem is that many people forget the words that they have spoken out carelessly.
Lies are not only careless, but they are also harmful to both yourself and others. If the other person accepts your lies as the truth, he may suffer from losses in finance and faith. Lying itself is a sin in the sight of God. In any circumstances, you should not tell the slightest lie and not conceal the smallest thing, either.
You may give wrong answers for various reasons: because you are telling lies; because you are attributing the fault to others; or because you are making excuses. If you have a truthful heart and no attribute of falsehood at all, you won't give wrong answers to any question. Many people give wrong answers because they do not listen to the other person carefully, but get involved in their own thoughts instead. Therefore, you can avoid giving wrong answers only if you carefully listen to others.
Silly talk and coarse jestings are never appropriate for the children of God. And if you exaggerate the reality and say absurd words that do not stand to reason, it is not appropriate. If you often tell jokes, you look imprudent and untrustworthy. Those who are your senior will not be able to share secrets with you and hesitate to assign work of a serious nature to you. Ephesians 5:4 warns us God's beloved children saying, "and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."
Vocabulary that is in vogue is a reflection of worldly trends. So, if you speak using the vocabulary, you become imbued with its worldly trends. Even though the worldly words don't have evil in the meaning, they are not fit for God's children who are longing to enter New Jerusalem. You have to remember that you should abstain from worldly discussions and conversations in the temple of God and its courtyards.
Grace-giving Words!
Ephesians 4:29 reads, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
The words that give grace to those who hear and build up edification are appropriate for the children of God. They include the words that are worthy to glorify God, plant faith into others' hearts, and give life to listeners. That's why in whatever situation you have to make it a rule to examine whether or not your words are beneficial to others and yourself.
Say No Word That Goes Over Your Limitation!
A humble person doesn't say the words that go too far above his position. He keeps his position and acts within the limitation of that position. On the contrary, an arrogant person tends to speak out the words that go over the limitations of his position.
For example, words that pass judgment and condemnations on others and gossiping and slandering others fall into this category. It is the same as becoming a judge even though God Himself alone is the Judge (James 4:11-12). If anyone passes judgment and condemnations on a servant of God who is accompanied with proofs of God's presence and confirmation, it is as though he is going against God Himself. It is considered a grave sin.
Words of complaint, grumblings and groaning also fall into this category. The children of God have been saved from the path leading to fall into the unquenchable fire of Hell and are being led on the path to Heaven by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's why if they speak out words of grumbling or complain against others in difficult situations, it is deemed as the same as forgetting the grace of salvation. A wise person who knows his position can give thanks in any circumstances.
This applies to accomplishing works of God. A humble person who knows his place only gives thanks and obeys no matter what kind of duties he is assigned. He is grateful for the fact that he is allowed to do works of God. If you complain wondering why you should have to do that kind of duty, it means you have already gone well over your station. When she was informed by the angel of the Lord that she would be pregnant, the virgin Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
Only Positive Words and the Confession of Faith!
Proverbs 18:21 reads, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." You have to avoid from saying negative words in your daily life but instead make it a rule to speak positive words and make a confession of faith. Negative words have negative influence on hearers because they make the mood gloomy and distract people's enthusiasm. Conversely, positive words bring a bright and lively atmosphere. They encourage people to do their work with confidence and take courage again.
When he fought against Goliath, young David didn't look at the reality with human eyes or speak any negative words. He looked up to the almighty God alone and walked up to the champion making only a confession of faith found in 1 Samuel 17:45-47. As a result, he defeated the champion completely by causing him to fall to the ground with a piece of smooth stone.
When the Israelites arrived at the entrance of the Canaan land, ten of the twelve spies who had been sent to scout the land prior to conquering it told the people negative things about the land and the people were discouraged (Numbers 13:31-33). Negative words discourage those who have little faith and let them fall into temptations. For this reason, whenever you feel like speaking out negative words, you have to bridle your tongue and do your best to make a profession of faith all the time. Then, your heart and the situations will change by your faith.
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