We live in an era where almost everything can be done quickly.
Want to eat? Go to a fast food restaurant and get your food quickly.
Want to travel? Jump on a plane and arrive at your destination quickly.
Want to purchase something? Order online and have it delivered quickly.
Whilst the speed in which we can access things we like, is nice. There is one area in which speed can be detrimental.
The words we speak.
With numerous ways to connect and speak on social media, people around the world can make their opinions known with haste. Anyone can quickly speak their mind on whatever concerns them, whether it’s abortion and racism or religion and body image.
Whether what is said is helpful or not, does not usually matter, for as long as one has had their voice heard.
Whilst responding quickly has become the norm of our society today, as Christians, the Bible actually admonishes us to act contrary to our culture, and be people who are slow to speak.
Be Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
James 1:19 (NKJV)
In this verse, James urges us to be quick to hear, slow in becoming angry and slow in speaking. This means, as Christians we should be faster to listen and assess rather than to react to and lend our voice to situations.
But why is that?
Why are we not encouraged to swiftly speak our voices? What if the situation on hand is something we don’t agree with or think is wrong? Or feel we should say something about?
Words Can Lead to Sin
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV)
As this verse in Proverbs reveals, saying too much can lead to sin. Therefore, rushing to respond and speak into situations is unwise.
This is especially the case if you really don’t know much about the situation at hand, apart from some social media posts or comments from other people.
What if in speaking, you condemn someone who is actually innocent? Or excuse someone who is actually guilty?
The Bible warns against speaking evil of others and condemning them, as there is only one righteous Judge -God. (James 4:11-12)
This does not mean as Christians we should not have an opinion about certain issues. But it does mean, we should be careful with the words we speak about others or concerning particular matters, especially because we will be judged by our words.
We Will Be Judged By Our Words
But I say to you that every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV)
Every word you speak will be accounted for at the end. Whether it was kind or cruel, rude or accusing, you will give account for it, Jesus assures us of that
With this in mind, you would do well as a Christians to use your words sparingly.
You don’t want to stand before the Lord, regretting the foolish words you were quick to utter just because you wanted to voice your opinion. Or just because you wanted to contribute to a conversation.
You ought to think more before you respond. Think more before you speak.
In fact, God has actually given us a check list of sorts, for the kind of words that should proceed from our lips as Christians.
What Is Coming Out Of Your Mouth?
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) says:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Based on this, as Christians, we should consider the following before speaking in any situation:
1. Will Your Words Corrupt?
Will the words you speak pollute the air, so to speak? Are they mean, unkind, dirty or hurtful? Are they contrary to the love, kindness and patience we are taught to walk in?
2. Will Your Words Build Up?
Will the words you utter build someone up or are they only going to dishearten and tear them down? Are they encouraging, hopeful, instructive?
3. Will Your Words Fit the Occasion?
Do the words you speak fit the situation or are they completely out of place? Perhaps you want to speak condemning words in a sorrowful situation? Or
The New King James Version renders this part as “what is good for necessary edification” (emphasis mine) This also urges you to consider whether the words you speak are actually necessary.
Do you have to say what you are about to say? Or do you just want to fill the silence and make conversation?
4. Will Your Words Give Grace?
Will the words you speak give grace to those who hear? Meaning, in hearing you speak, will someone experience the grace and love of God? Will someone witness Christ in you or not?
Another thing to consider before you speak, is whether or not your words will bring light.
5. Will Your Words Bring Light?
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 4:14 (NKJV)
Jesus Himself tells us that, as Christians, we are the light of the world. This means that in all we do we should bring light, including the words we speak.
Therefore, you should ask yourself will the words you speak bring Christ’s light? Will they bring understanding and enlighten someone in the dark? Or will they only contribute to the chaos and confusion?
If what you want to say will achieve none of the above, then it is wise to keep quiet.
Close Your Mouth, Open Your Ears
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:27 (ESV)
The Word of God teaches us, that there is wisdom in restraining our words. Therefore, as Christians, we should get into the habit of guarding our mouths. (Proverbs 21:23)
Doing so, you will keep you from entering into unnecessary trouble and help you to act in wisdom and understanding.
So, instead of rushing to let your opinion be known or contributing to conversation, ask God if there is anything He wants you to hear or you should say. Ask if there is something encouraging, enlightening or grace-filled you can add.
If not, as James urges us, close your mouth and open your ears.
Let’s become a generation of Christians who are not rash or impulsive, but wise, understanding; slow to anger and slow to speak.
