Speaking in Truth and Love
"A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."
-Proverbs 25:11
You've heard it before; the right thing spoken just at the right time. As gold and silver are both precious metals, Solomon makes a comparison by painting a comely picture that points to the might and magnificence of fitly spoken words. Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to pay attention to how we speak to others. It is a true statement to say that everyone has lied during the course of their life, although Christians are referred to as "new creations" with the indicative that the "old has passed away" and "the new has come" (2 Cor. 5:17). Speaking lies and deception represents what you did in the past and you are now called to put that away in order for you speak truth to others (Eph. 4:25) and become more like Christ (Eph. 4:15).
Ever since the Lord saved me from my sins, I've frequently come across others who claim to love Jesus Christ but yet their manner of speech is reminiscent of those who hate or do now know Christ. How can this be? In a very palpable approach, James writes, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless" (1:26). This is certainly not meant to categorize everyone who wears religious jewelry nor is it wrong to wear such things, but I've noticed that many who fit this paradox also sport a cross necklace or some other Christian-related jewelry. What is the proclivity of your manner of speech? This is not a time to self-righteously start point the finger at others who are failing to bridle their tongue, but it is rather a time to examine your own heart in the presence of a holy God, since "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34) and you are held accountable (2 Cor. 5:10).
Instead of using your tongue to boast of self while setting ablaze your surroundings with unrighteousness (James 3:5-6), use it only to build others up in the faith which gives grace to those who would hear it, thereby glorifying God (Eph. 4:29). Your double-mindedness which leads to both blessing and cursing from the same mouth is a serious matter that needs to be continually confessed to God (James 4:8; 1 John 1:9). Match your speech with the new identity given to you from above; don't be a butterfly that still walks around like a caterpillar, lest you prove to yourself that you have not been changed by God.
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."
-Proverbs 25:11
You've heard it before; the right thing spoken just at the right time. As gold and silver are both precious metals, Solomon makes a comparison by painting a comely picture that points to the might and magnificence of fitly spoken words. Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to pay attention to how we speak to others. It is a true statement to say that everyone has lied during the course of their life, although Christians are referred to as "new creations" with the indicative that the "old has passed away" and "the new has come" (2 Cor. 5:17). Speaking lies and deception represents what you did in the past and you are now called to put that away in order for you speak truth to others (Eph. 4:25) and become more like Christ (Eph. 4:15).
Ever since the Lord saved me from my sins, I've frequently come across others who claim to love Jesus Christ but yet their manner of speech is reminiscent of those who hate or do now know Christ. How can this be? In a very palpable approach, James writes, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless" (1:26). This is certainly not meant to categorize everyone who wears religious jewelry nor is it wrong to wear such things, but I've noticed that many who fit this paradox also sport a cross necklace or some other Christian-related jewelry. What is the proclivity of your manner of speech? This is not a time to self-righteously start point the finger at others who are failing to bridle their tongue, but it is rather a time to examine your own heart in the presence of a holy God, since "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34) and you are held accountable (2 Cor. 5:10).
Instead of using your tongue to boast of self while setting ablaze your surroundings with unrighteousness (James 3:5-6), use it only to build others up in the faith which gives grace to those who would hear it, thereby glorifying God (Eph. 4:29). Your double-mindedness which leads to both blessing and cursing from the same mouth is a serious matter that needs to be continually confessed to God (James 4:8; 1 John 1:9). Match your speech with the new identity given to you from above; don't be a butterfly that still walks around like a caterpillar, lest you prove to yourself that you have not been changed by God.
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