Speech, positive aspects of

The way in which believers speak should reflect their calling as Christians. Christian speech should be sincere, godly and honouring to God.

The desire for godly speech

In oneself

Psalm 19:14 See also Psalm 17:3, Psalm 39:1, Psalm 141:3

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In others

Ephesians 4:29–31 See also Proverbs 4:24; Ecclesiastes 5:6; Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8–10; 1 Peter 3:9–10; Psalm 34:12–13

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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

Characteristics of godly speech in relation to God

It gives glory to God

Hebrews 13:15 See also Psalm 34:1, Psalm 35:28, Psalm 51:15; 1 Peter 2:9

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.

It gives thanks and praise to God

Colossians 3:17 See also Deuteronomy 8:10; 1 Chronicles 16:4, 1 Chronicles 16:7–8, 1 Chronicles 16:34–36; Psalm 100:4, Psalm 118:1, Psalm 118:19, Psalm 118:21, Psalm 118:28–29; Joel 2:26; Mark 8:6–7; Colossians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 3:9–10

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

It confesses Jesus Christ as Lord

Romans 10:9–10 See also Matthew 10:32–33 parallel Luke 12:8–9; Matthew 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:3

that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

Characteristics of godly speech in relation to others

It is gentle, gracious and tactful

Colossians 4:6 See also Judges 8:1–3; Proverbs 10:32, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:24; Ecclesiastes 10:12; Daniel 2:14–16; 1 Peter 3:15

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

It is kind

Proverbs 12:25 See also Genesis 50:19–21; Job 4:3–4; 1 Corinthians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:24–25

Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

It is instructive and edifying

Colossians 3:16 See also Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 15:7, Proverbs 20:15, Proverbs 25:11–12, Proverbs 31:26; Malachi 2:7; Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:29

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

It is prudent and restrained

Proverbs 17:27 See also Proverbs 15:28, Proverbs 18:13; Ecclesiastes 5:2, Ecclesiastes 9:17; James 1:19

A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

It is honest and unadorned

Matthew 5:37 See also Psalm 15:2–3, Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 24:26, Proverbs 27:5–6, Proverbs 27:9, Proverbs 28:23

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.

It is truthful and sincere

Zechariah 8:16 See also Exodus 20:16 parallel Deuteronomy 5:20; Proverbs 12:17, Proverbs 12:19, Proverbs 12:22; Malachi 2:6; 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 4:25

These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,

It is wise

Psalm 37:30 See also Proverbs 10:13, Proverbs 10:31, Proverbs 13:14; Acts 6:10

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

It will speak of God and his works

Deuteronomy 6:6–9 See also Psalm 40:9–10, Psalm 145:7; Malachi 3:16

These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.

Jesus Christ's speech was perfect and unique

John 7:46 See also Matthew 7:28–29, Matthew 13:54 parallel Mark 6:2; Luke 4:22; 1 Peter 2:22–23; Isaiah 53:9

“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.

Speech as a means of blessing people

Numbers 6:22–27 See also Genesis 1:22, Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 21:5; 1 Chronicles 23:13

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons:This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”