SCRIPTURE GEMS - 5

SCRIPTURE GEMS – 5

Is there anyone who has not said something that they wish they could take back?  I’m sure we all are guilty.  Our words are like a feather pillow split open in the wind.  The feathers could never be retrieved.  When we speak, our words should be truth; but they should also encourage, teach, be gently spoken, godly, and not be so numerous that time is wasted.  This is a study that is very needful.  The following Scripture indicates the necessity of being very watchful of our words.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.  Matt.12:37

One of the first criteria for a godly tongue is stated in Ex.20:7.  When one realizes how great our God is and how He knows every thought and hears every word that comes forth from our mouth, (Ps.139:4)  the use of His name in vain or in a useless, empty way will receive punishment. 

The word, “God,” and “Lord,” slips out of so many mouths.  If we allow ourselves to be around those that do this, whether in person or on media, we may find ourselves thinking it and then saying it ourselves.  The same is true of vulgar and cursing words.  Heb.4:13   How we need to guard our tongue!  Ps.39:1; Ps.141:3

Numerous are the ways that we misuse our tongue.  Speaking in truth is very important in producing godly speech.  Ps.15:2   Truth must be in the heart.  How easily our spirit can be crushed with a dishonest, contrary tongue.  Prov.15:4   Paul explained to the Colossians that truth is part of the new life in Christ.  They were to put aside lying as an evil practice of their old life.  Col.3:9; Eph.4:25

Deceit is dishonesty and deception which is close to lacking truthfulness.  1 Pet.3:10   David also speaks of deceit.  Ps.34:12,13  Too often smooth words can be spoken only to be the source of a scam or some kind of treachery.  Prov.26:22-24 

Our relationship to fellow Christians as well as those in the world must be godly.  Too often we enjoy being the bearer of “news.”  We can’t look at others—only look at ourselves with honesty.  Several words are used in this regard.  One of them is gossip.  What is this?  It is idle talk or rumors about others.  Gossip also involves the bearing of tales or news unnecessarily.  1 Tim.5:13   This becomes a temptation when we have nothing else to do or to talk about.  We should notice how many times we mention someone else in a negative way in our conversation.  Are we building them up or tearing them down.  2 Thess.3:11   Peter speaks of this along with murderers and thieves.  1 Pet.4:15   This type of speech causes friction.  Prov.16:28   Not only are we not to be gossips, busybodies, slanderers, but not even associate with them.  Prov.20:19

Col.3:8 provides us with some other negative situations to watch in our speech.  The first one is anger.  Prov.25:23,24  Not only is anger addressed here but also speech that backbites and speech that is contentious or argumentative.  Eph.4:31   So many of these problems follow one another.  Attending to our own business will alleviate many speech problems.  1 Thess.4:11   Too often we know the answer for another person and rashly try to convince them of our way.  Among things God hates is in Prov.6:19   Many words can bring trouble.  Prov.10:19

Godly speech is beautiful and can have many good returns.  A famous description is found in Prov.25:11.  Not only is it important to know what to say but also when to say it.  A soft answer has more power many times than hard words.  Prov.25:15   Abusive speech is like the thrust of a sword but healing comes with wise words.  Prov.12:18   A contrast is given in Prov.15:1. 

The godly woman in Prov.31:26 is such a worthy example for us.  How we need to be full of kind words.  Good advice is given in Prov.21:23.  We need to put up a guard.  Care must be taken to know how to answer each person.  Col.4:6   This includes the home as well as the congregation and neighbors.  God gives us grace so thus our speech must show grace to others.  Grace is mentioned again in Eph.4:29. 

Our words as well as our deeds must be a glory to our Lord.  Col.3:17   May we have the prayer of David in Ps.19:14 in our hearts daily.

The importance of our words is certainly emphasized as we remember Matt.12:36,37.  But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

On your own, study Jam.3:1-12.  A good description of our tongue problem.  If any man does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man.  We all know only too well that none of us is perfect.