Topical Bible: How we Speak

Bible > Topical > How we Speak

◄ How we Speak ►

Jump to: Topical • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

The way we speak holds significant importance in the Christian life, as it reflects the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God. Scripture provides extensive guidance on the power of words, the importance of truthfulness, and the need for edifying communication. This entry explores biblical teachings on speech, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of our words.

The Power of Words

The Bible underscores the profound impact that words can have, both positively and negatively. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse highlights the potential of words to build up or destroy, to heal or wound. James 3:5-6 further illustrates this by comparing the tongue to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze, emphasizing the need for careful control over our speech.

Truthfulness and Integrity

Truthfulness is a fundamental aspect of Christian speech. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." Honesty in communication is essential for maintaining trust and unity within the body of Christ. The Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), further underscores the importance of truthfulness.

Edifying and Gracious Speech

Believers are called to use their words to edify and encourage others. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive encourages speech that is constructive and beneficial, promoting spiritual growth and harmony.

Colossians 4:6 adds, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Gracious speech reflects the love and grace of Christ, making it an effective tool for witnessing and fostering positive relationships.

Avoiding Harmful Speech

Scripture warns against various forms of harmful speech, including gossip, slander, and deceit. Proverbs 16:28 notes, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Such speech can cause division and damage relationships, contrary to the unity and love that should characterize the Christian community.

James 1:26 cautions, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." This warning highlights the importance of self-control in speech as a reflection of genuine faith.

Speech Reflecting the Heart

Jesus taught that our words are a reflection of our inner character. In Matthew 12:34-35 , He states, "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil treasure." This teaching emphasizes the need for a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, resulting in speech that honors God.

Prayer and Praise

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of using our speech in prayer and praise. Psalm 19:14 expresses a desire for words that are pleasing to God: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Prayer and praise are vital expressions of faith and dependence on God, shaping our hearts and aligning our speech with His will.

Conclusion

The biblical teachings on how we speak serve as a guide for believers to use their words wisely and righteously. By aligning our speech with the principles of truth, grace, and edification, we reflect the character of Christ and contribute to the building up of His body, the Church.

Topical Bible Verses

James 1:26-27
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Topicalbible.org

Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 14:1-40
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 5:1-48
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came to him:
Topicalbible.org

Greek

2261. epios -- gentle, mild
... 2261 (an adjective derived from 2031 , "to speak," J. Thayer) -- properly, gentle ...
2261 ("gentle faith-speaking") happens as we to -- ie are committed to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2261.htm - 7k

Library

But Why do we Speak of Your Having Bemired the Great Mother of the ...
... Book V. 9 But why do we speak of your having bemired the Great Mother
of the gods? But why do we speak of your having bemired ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/9 but why do we.htm

We Speak, Indeed, of the "Wrath" of God. ...
... Chapter LXXII. We speak, indeed, of the "wrath" of God.? We speak, indeed,
of the "wrath" of God. We do not, however, assert that ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxxii we speak indeed.htm

If we Speak, However, of what are Called "Corporeal" and "External ...
... Chapter LVI. If we speak, however, of what are called "corporeal" and
"external" evils? If we speak, however, of what are called ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter lvi if we speak.htm

But as it is in Mockery that Celsus Says we Speak of "God Coming ...
... Chapter XIII. But as it is in mockery that Celsus says we speak of "God
coming down? But as it is in mockery that Celsus says ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xiii but as it.htm

Do You Dare to Laugh at us when we Speak of Hell...
... Book II. 14 Do you dare to laugh at us when we speak of hell? Do you dare
to laugh at us when we speak of hell, [3501] and fires ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/14 do you dare to.htm

As we are About to Speak on the Subject of the Order of the Times. ...
... Section I. As we are about to speak on the subject of the order of the times?
As we are about to speak on the subject of the order ...
/.../anatolius/the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/section i as we are.htm

Of the Son of God, and his Peculiar Designation as the Word.
... For we too aim at this when we speak, (as we shall see) if we carefully consider
the inclination [1536] of our will; not when we lie, but when we speak the ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 3 of the son of.htm

For what Reason all the Heavenly Beings, in Common, are Called ...
... all the Divine Minds, by the supermundane description given of them, are distributed
into three,"into essence, and power, and energy,"when we speak of them ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput xi for what reason.htm

Why we do not in the Trinity Speak of one Person, and Three ...
... be is said in respect to Himself, but person relatively; in this way we should say
three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; just as we speak of three ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 6 why we do not.htm

How we must Stand and Speak, in Everything that we Desire
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XV How we must stand and speak,
in everything that we desire. "My Son, speak thou thus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xv how we must.htm