One of the most important lessons in life is knowing when to speak, when not to speak, what to speak, how to speak, and respecting those with whom we are speaking.
The book of Proverbs is full of cautions regarding the problems caused by speaking unwisely, such as:
“A gentle answer stirs up wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.”
In the New Testament the Apostle James admonished, “So, also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians to “speak the truth in love,” and the Apostle Peter instructed, “…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an answer for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…”
Clearly, one of the greatest disciplines in life is controlling our speech!
However, in Psalm 40:9,10 King David writes of five things we can confidently speak about to anyone and at any time, and these include the LORD’s:
· Righteousness
· Faithfulness
· Salvation
· Lovingkindness
· Truth
“I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I will not restrain my lips. O, LORD, You know I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.”
Today, wherever you are and in whatever company, be very confident that it is always time to speak of these marvelous truths! And, let us cheer His heart daily and encourage each other by speaking together of Him and all His “wondrous works:”
“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and esteem His name.” (Malachi 3:16)
