Words matter! It’s a fact, even if we try to
shrug them off, words exchanged between people sink deep within, and they
either build up or crush. The Bible has much to say about people’s speech,
especially what comes out of the mouths of believers in Jesus Christ.
When Jesus’
brother James says, no human being can tame the
tongue (James 3:8), I think he knew what he was talking about. It’s
such an out of Christlike character thing, when Christians use their tongues to
bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse
people who are made in the likeness of God (James 3:9). Obviously,
this is not a product of the Holy Spirit, it’s not God’s will for us, and it’s
not Christlike behaviour. Yet, most of us struggle with the tongue, at least
some of the time.
I think
Solomon’s comment is fitting, some people make
cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing (Proverbs
12:18). Just as we would prefer to receive wise words that instill healing
within our hearts, so it is honouring to the Lord that we speak wise and
healing words to others for their blessing. A little later Solomon expands his
wise words by adding, gracious words are like a
honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs
16:24). He new that words can be either sweetly tasteful or bitter and hurtful.
But words communicating grace, with a gracious tone can not only rest softly in
our hearts but enable physical wellbeing.
It stands to
reason then, that Paul carries Solomon’s wisdom through in his New Testament writings.
Encouraging the believers in Colossae, Paul writes, let
your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how
you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6). I
suggest that if every Christian patterned their speech like this, unity would
be much easier to attain, friendships would be sweeter and longer lasting, and families
would stick together in love forever.
Here’s the
attractive application which is often overlooked. Paul’s exhortation applies to
everyone, no buts, and no exceptions. Christian speech is to have the “always” quality of grace. That is, grace is
to be the normal, the default format for all believer’s interactions with
others. I have yet to meet a person who does not appreciate being spoken to
graciously. It’s that softness that carries kindness and lands comfortably in
the ears of the recipient. Gracious words are easy to hear words. Grace even
filters out possible harshness when having to talk about difficult subjects.
Why, because behind grace is a nonjudgemental heart beating with love. It’s as
simple as that.
Whether the
church in Colossae had a problem with dishonourable speech, I don’t know. But
Paul seems to address this speech and language issue directly, which is
certainly applicable today in our society where blasphemy, swearing, lying, and
harshness is commonplace. Whatever the case, Paul unashamedly connects a believer’s
speech to their salvation. But now you must also
rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, depravity, slander,
and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have
taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which
is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Colossians
3:8-10).
I encourage you
to apply Solomon’s and Paul’s speech filters. Make gracious speech your
default. Ensure Christ and the fruit of the Holy Spirit can be easily sensed in
your verbal mannerisms. Others will be encouraged, you will be blessed, and
Christ will be glorified.
