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November 17, 2024
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I have been thinking a lot about speech lately as I watch a whole lot of people have a whole lot to say about the lives of others, themselves, and the world. Words are flying. Not many seem to be quiet. I think about my own speech as I am tempted to say a whole bunch of things as well. Even when I choose not to say them, I still know what my heart wanted to say.
When I look at verses about the tongue, I see conditions that determine whether we are qualified to speak. Sometimes we are not.
We are not qualified to speak if….
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29:
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
…keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Proverbs 34:13
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. (Proverbs 29:11)
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. Proverbs 15:28
No wonder the bible says, Be quick to hear and slow to speak…. James 1:19
I want to end on this point, however.
What is it that determines whether we are able to speak to someone else about their sin?
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
According to this verse, we are not qualified to speak if….
What do commentators say this means?
Barnes’ Notes: The word used here signifies a large piece of squared timber…The meaning is, that “we are much more quick and acute to judge of small offences in others, than of much larger offences in ourselves.” HERE Most commentators agree with Barnes.
I fear most people apply this verse in this way: As long as we don’t have any of the sins society or the church calls “big” or we don’t have any sins that are “visible,” we feel qualified to speak to others about their issues.
I am not sure that is biblical application.
Did you ever get a small piece of dust in your eye? Life stops. It is impossible to do anything. Tears flow. Every blink is agony. Life stops until the dust is removed.
The piece of dust feels just like a beam, doesn’t it? Might as well be a log.
I wonder if according to this verse, we are not qualified to talk to others about their issues
as in dust-free, as in nothing that we know of is in the way of us living as cleanly with God and people as we know how to be! We are filled with His Spirit.
According to this verse, I don’t think we are qualified to speak…
I am going to be quieter for a while. I have some work to do.
Picture Explanation: My daughter works all weekend but came to see me Friday to spend some time talking and strolling with me in God’s beauty to celebrate Mother’s Day. I have spoken to this sweet one too many times when I was not qualified to speak. Thankfully, she forgives me readily. Thankfully, I have consistently prayed over the years that God makes me a better mother every day that I live. I am growing, just like these blooms, looking more like Jesus every day. Lord, don’t stop transforming me! The quality of life for the people I love partly hinges on me.
© 2021 by Oaks Ministries. All rights reserved.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes growth.
1 Corinthians 3:6
8 Responses
It is always best to be Spirit led before we speak and Spirit filled.
Yes! The only way we can be qualified to speak.
I doubt I will ever arrive at a squeaky clean heart this side of Heaven with still having a sinful nature. HOWEVER, As usual Laurie so many wise things said to remember before we start attempting to weed another’s garden before our own. Love you girl!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
I love you too. By squeaky clean, I mean there is nothing that I know of actively blocking my relationship with God at this moment. I am filled with sin I don’t know about, but thankfully He only holds us accountable for what we know. Whew!
Thank you for the greeting! I have been fed a lot of good food this weekend on three separate occasions from three different kids. I need to change into stretch pants.
All good. Pleasure being a mom.
Such a great post and reminder that our tongues have the power of life and death to those we talk to. Matt. 12:34 says, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Lord please show me the sin in my heart and help me to confess it and stand against it. Please show me clearly when to speak, and please give me the words you would have me say.
I considered using that verse! You are a shining example to me of speaking words that benefit, Tish. You are effusive in your joy and encouragement, yet when it is time to speak truth, you do. You don’t hide. That line can be hard to find. Thank you for showing me.
I have loved you through every conversation. Happy or hard. You are my rock, mama – I’ve never not loved you with every single part of me!
Thank you, sweet daughter. Happy or hard, I have treasured being your mother every second. Jesus is our Rock.