The way we speak has a profound impact on our relationships and our witness for God. According to Ephesians, our words should be edifying and gracious, while Colossians reminds us to season our speech with salt, making it both truthful and attractive. Jesus taught in Matthew that it is not what enters our mouths, but what comes out, that can defile us, highlighting the importance of careful speech. The Psalms and Proverbs also offer guidance, with the psalmist asking God to guard his mouth and Proverbs noting that gentle words can calm anger, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and constructive communication.
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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.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.