About Jesus  -  Steve Sweetman

Words Matter

The Bible has much to say about the words we speak.  What it says is relevant to our free-for-all, anything and everything goes, culture in which we spew all kinds of illogical, misleading, arrogant, and boastful exaggerations.  Here are just a few statements that show words matter.

James 1:19 tells us to listen before we speak.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ..."

1 John 3:18 says that our words of love are meaningless if not accompanied by truthful actions. 

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Matthew 12:37 states that our words have consequences. 

"For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

2 Peter 2:18 warns us to avoid boastful deceivers speaking empty words. 

"For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error."

1 Timothy 6:4 reminds us not to be involved in the unnecessary talk of fake teachers. 

"They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions."

Ephesians 5:6 tells us not to be deceived by those spewing empty words.         

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient."

1 Corinthians 2:13 says our words must be Holy Spirit led and inspired. 

"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words."

Ecclesiastics 5:2 states that we must be careful what we speak to the Lord for He is God. 

"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."

Ecclesiastics 6:11 says that too much talking becomes meaningless to the one listening. 

"The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?"

Ecclesiastics 9:17 states how to speak in order to be heard.    

"The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools."

Proverbs 6:2 tells us that our words can easily trap us.    

"You have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth."

Proverbs 12:18 says that reckless words are a verbal sword that can do much damage. 

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." 

Proverbs 16:24 tells us the importance of gracious words.      

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Psalm 94:4 equates arrogant words with evil.       

"They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting." 

Psalm 19:14 should be the prayer of every Christian.  

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

These verses, and others like them, speak directly to our free-for-all, anything and everything goes, boastfully arrogant nonsensical culture.  Words do matter.