Perhaps it is no over statement to declare that almost half our waking hours are spent in speaking. In the light of this fact there can surely be no truer saying than the words, “Thy speech betrayeth thee”. Whether it be in discussion within the family circle, in the business world, among our brethren and sisters, or in prayer to our Heavenly Father, we are unmistakably revealing our true selves.
The same tongue, says the Apostle James, that blesses God is also capable of cursing men. It is capable of becoming a “world of iniquity, full of deadly poison”, thus defiling the whole body. The tongue can slander, boast, lie, condemn, gossip and blaspheme, all of which are evil, and bring man into condemnation. As professing followers of Christ we have a work to do, perhaps a lifetime of work, in bringing the tongue into subjection. If we fail in this regard we have failed indeed, for it was the Apostle again who declared, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, this man’s religion is vain”.
The power of speech is a talent which we have all been given and one which should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade; with it we offer praise unto God, and tell others of God’s redeeming love.
The right development and use of the powers of speech has to do with every line of Christian work. It enters into the home life, and into all our intercourse with one another. It enters also into our business activities and our dealings with our fellows. At all times, we need to accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones and use words that are kind and courteous, instead of evil speaking, frivolous talk or fretful complaining, for the Lord bids us: “Let your speech be always with grace”, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”.
Perhaps one of our gravest weaknesses in relation, to this God-given gift of speech is our tendency to gossip and talk about others. We hear a rumour, we believe it to be true and pass it on; and so it grows until a brother or sister is discouraged or offended by our thoughtless, selfish and inhuman words.
Surely there would be nothing more distressing in the eyes of our Lord than to witness among those who claim to be His brethren words of slander, tale-bearing and idle talk.
If our genuine desire is to help and reform others there is only one way to do it. We should go to the person concerned and be careful with our words. They will be a “savour of life unto life or of death unto death”. It is so easy when we find ourselves in the position of giving advice and counsel to indulge in sharp, severe speech which is not adapted to help nor heal, and usually does more harm than good. By these ill-advised expressions the spirit is chafed and often the recipient of our counsel is stirred to rebellion.
It was the wise man who said, “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger”, and, “that a man bath joy by the answer of his mouth, for a word spoken in due season, how good it is”.
Under all circumstances, and for whatever purpose they are uttered, may all our words be tempered by the true spirit of helpfulness, knowing that “every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof before God-. . . . “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”.
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay