The Heart

The Bible talks a lot about speech. It talks about how Christian speak to one another, to God. It gives us clear advice and commands. Well, let's start by looking at what God says is good speech and what He says is not so good.

Proverbs 21: 23 says, "One who guards his mouth and his tongue guards, his soul in troubles." Here Solomon saying that we can stay out of trouble if we keep our mouths shut.

In Proverbs 17: 9 it says, "One who conceals an offense seeks love, but one who repeats a matter separates close friends." Here we're being told that telling secrets can separate friends. This is another reason to keep our mouths shut.

Proverbs 11:12 says, "One who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a person of understanding keeps silent." Neighbors can do all kinds of things to annoy us, but once again remaining silent is a great remedy.

Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger." When we have to give an answer our answer should be soft and gentle. We can bring peace to an explosive situation by the way we respond.

Proverbs 12:22 says , "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." God hates lying! And there's no such thing as a white lie. But God loves it when people tell the truth!

Proverbs 14:29 says, "One who was slow to anger has great understanding; but one who is quick-tempered exalts foolishness.

In the previous verses, we noted that the Bible praises being quiet and controlling your tongue. A bad-tempered person has trouble controlling her tongue.

Romans 10: 9 says "... that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." The very best thing that you can do with your speech is except Jesus Christ as your Savior!

The Bible gives us even more help by comparing good speech with bad speech.

For example, in Titus 3:2 it says, ". . . to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. In other words, we aren't badmouth anyone, we shouldn't be fighting with people, but we should be considerate and kind to all.

In Ephesians 5: 4 it says, ". . . and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." It looks like dirty, talk and dirty jokes are out! God wants us to be giving things instead.

I Peter 3: 8 & 9 a says, "to sum up all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate and humble; and not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving blessing instead; . . ." Here God obviously wants us to get along with and be compassionate to even the most difficult people. Because He says not to return insult for insult, or evil for evil. But the right response to someone who treats us that way to give a blessing.

And finally God gives us commands. In James 1:19 b says, ". . . Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; " God does want us to pay attention, but He doesn't want us to react quickly. We need to think before we speak!

Colossians 3: 8 & 9 says, "But now you also rid yourself of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices, " Got to making it clear that he doesn't want us to be angry people. He also doesn't want us to use dirty language. Christians are commanded, not to lie to one another. It has been stated previously God hates lies!

There's A strong warning in Exodus 20:7, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain for the LORD will not leave unpunished who takes his name in vain." Using God's name or Jesus's name when you're angry or as swear words is acceptable! There can be serious consequences.

Our last command is Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without complaining or arguments;" God wants us to be cheerful in our work.

How should we speak to God? Let's see what the Bible says. In Psalm 19:14 it says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight." I like the fact that it's not just the words you speak but also the attitude of your heart that are important to God.

Psalm 92:1 & 2 say, "It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your Name Most High;" We can't go wrong with hearts of filled with thanks and praise towards God.

And finally, Psalm 100:1a Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the Earth . . ." Let all the Earth, praise God!

God wants peaceful, joyful people who used their speech to bless others and praise Him.