In This Issue:
But, You Promised!
Mind Your Speech
Your Words
Volume: 941 January 22, 2024
Theme: Our Speech
Update
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But, You Promised!
Bill Brinkworth
“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Romans 3:3-4
There was a time when one’s promise would usually be upheld and trusted. Four copies of notarized signed documents were not needed.
A person’s handshake and words of commitment were substantial no matter what happened. Even if there were problems after the agreement, those who gave their promises would uphold their obligations, no matter what. It was their promise, and it had great value to them and others.
Today, one’s word and signed legal documents are no guarantee that one’s promise will come to fruition. One’s oral commitment means little in many transactions.
What went wrong? Why are the promises of politicians, business partners, friends, and other associates of little value many times?
For most, the standard for moral values, the Bible, has lost its importance, and its teachings have never been instilled in lives. God’s Word defines right and wrong, and many wander through life without godly advice, direction, or conviction.
Without instilling the Bible’s moral commandments and remembering God’s firm reprisals when one breaks them, there will be no knowledge of them and certainly no fear when God’s ordinances are violated.
Little guilt or embarrassment is experienced when a commitment is broken. Sometimes, conscienceless excuses are justified when one’s promises are broken. “Well, he was dumb to trust me. That’s his problem,” “It’s not written and legal, so I don’t have to honor what I told her,” or even “I lost my job. I promised I’d pay, but I can’t afford my rent anymore, so what does the landlord expect of me?” Those are just a few excuses one hears when one’s commitments are not upheld.
Without one’s upheld promise, transactions and the trust of others will disappear. Society will change as characters will not be relied upon. Additional laws will attempt to force people to honor their words and commitments.
However, unbiblical immorality will constantly challenge laws and attempts to do what at one time was natural to do. Promises will not be upheld.
There needs to be value in what one says. If one says one will do something, it should be done. When someone says, “I will be there at 5:00, all efforts to meet that time should be made.” If not, it will be quickly realized by others that one’s word cannot be trusted.”
Because of unkept promises and valueless words, society will breed untrusted generations. That danger can be stopped by values, including the keeping of promises.
Keep your word. If you said you would do something, do it. Your character is at stake, and it is important.
Others are watching and remembering. Be the trustworthy example others need to hear.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
“Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance will turn them into enemies.” — Benjamin Franklin
Mind Your Speech
Bill Brinkworth
God gave man the ability to speak. The purpose of speech is for His creation to communicate with others and to bring glory to Him. However, man’s sinful, self-centered nature does not always use one’s lips for the intended purpose.
Here are some of God’s wisdom of what to do with the gift He gave us, as is revealed in Proverbs 15:
- To squelch nasty arguments, lower your voice in heated discussions, and it will diffuse anger.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Prov. 15:1 - Purpose to present facts and not popular answers or opinions.
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” Proverbs 15:28 - Be wise and not hurtful in what you say. Use the truth to inform others and to help them, not just opinions and assumptions.
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2 Also: Prov. 15:7.
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 - Be kind and considerate when speaking to others.
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26 - There is a time to say certain things. Wait patiently for the right moment to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions.
“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Proverbs 15:23
Use the God-given gift of speech to help others, not to separate, hurt, deceive, or sway others in areas that are not right or helpful. Your testimony, especially if you are a child of God, often rides on what you have said. Speak carefully.
Oh, be careful, little tongue, what you say,
Oh, be careful, little tongue, what you say.
There’s a Father up above looking down in love,
So be careful, little tongue, what you say. — Child’s Song, Author Unknown
God’s words, as preserved in the Bible, are always honest and can be trusted (Prov. 30:15). Our words, however, are not always truthful and not as reliable as His. Everyone sins with their mouth.
“Word” is used at least 704 times in the King James Bible. Although it often refers to God’s Word, we can see by many references that our speech is important to God. Some of those verses show us what God thinks about what comes out of our mouths.
In Romans 1, at least 30 sins are mentioned. At least fifteen of those sins involve what was said. Some iniquities mentioned are unthankfulness, debating, deceitfulness, gossiping, backbiting, pride, boasting, disobedience to parents, and covenant-breaking.
Although there are over 600 commandments in the Old Testament, the popularly known “Ten” includes at least three commandments that can involve our tongue. It should be evident to all that our tongue can be used for good, or it can be used to sin.
Here is some of what the Bible says about the words that can come out of our mouths:
- Many sins are with the tongue. Our tongues can be behind some of our iniquities.
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:5-6
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” Psalms 52:2
“Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:” Psalm 64:3 Also: Isa. 6:5, Prov. 30:5, Mat. 12:32, Job 15:5, Psa. 15:3, Psa. 73:9, Prov. 6:17. Prov. 15:2, Prov. 17:4, Prov. 18:21 Prov. 21:6, Prov. 26:28. - Be careful what the tongue says. It can and should be controlled!
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Psalm 34:13
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.” Job 6:24 Also: Job 27:4, Proverbs 10:31, I Peter 3:10. - We will be accountable for every word we say!
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36
“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:” Psalm 12:3
“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” Psalm 139:4
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26
There were times when Jesus, our example, knew to say nothing. Sometimes, following His example and saying nothing in certain situations would be best.
“And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” Matthew 27:14 - The tongue can be used for good.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:28
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.” Proverbs 10:20 Also: I Timothy 4:12, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 14:15. - There will be a time when we should speak what God wants us to say. Use your tongue for His glory.
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:11
Like the rest of our body, our tongue was part of God’s creation. Its creation was not intended for us to use it to sin against our Creator.
A saved person should strive to control what is uttered by one’s tongue. Some of the best advice for those desiring to please God and wanting to control their tongue comes from the adage, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything.”
“The tongue is more to be feared than the sword.” — Japanese Proverb