"Why do people choose the substitute over God himself? Probably the most important reason is that it obviates accountability to God. We can meet idols on our own terms because they are our own creations. They are safe, predictable, and controllable; they are, in Jeremiah's colorful language, the 'scarecrows in a cornfield' (10:5). They are portable and completely under the user's control. They offer nothing like the threat of a God who thunders from Sinai and whose providence in this world so often appears to us to be incomprehensible and dangerous . . . [People] need face only themselves. That is the appeal of idolatry."
- David F. Wells
Thursday, October 28, 2010
There's a story about a young lady once said to John Wesley, “I think I know what my talent is.” Wesley said, “Tell me.” She replied, “I think it is to speak my mind. Wesley said, “I do not think God would mind if you bury that talent.” 
What some explain away as being forthright or honest are actually just harmful words. Have you ever confronted a person who used words to condemn others only to hear, “Well, I was just speaking my mind”? If that’s true, then someone needs a new mind! People excuse their own "bluntness" with a shrug and a comment like, "That's just the way I am." I would suggest that if that's the way you are, then you need to change.
There’s not enough space here to list all of the Bible verses that warn us against or even outright forbid us to condemn others with our words. The real truth is that words are a powerful tool. Like so many other powerful tools we have, they can be used for great good or great evil. Think about the computer, the gun, the automobile and drugs. The more powerful something is the greater good or evil it can be, depending on how it is used.
If you can communicate with words then God has given you a great tool. It can either be a blessing or a curse.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:9-12, 17).
So how do we know what we should say or not?
“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).
Normally, we think of “unwholesome talk” as foul language or dirty jokes. While I would agree those things are unwholesome, this verse is talking about much more than that. According to this verse, words that are unwholesome are words that do not build up and benefit others. Unwholesome talk is words that tear down or harm those who listen.
Before you speak (or write) next time, ask yourself this question: “Are my words helpful and encouraging?” and if they are not, don’t say them. I know what you’re thinking. “If those are the only kinds of words that people speak, won’t it get awfully quiet around here?” Probably. But would that be such a bad thing?
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Comments on "Watch What You Say":
4. damien
- 10/29/2010 8:05 am CDT
we take it for granted that in a marriage when we're having problems everything will get worked out as long as we "just keep talking." that's what many so-called counselors would advise. but i remember listening to someone being interviewed by ken myers (mars hill audio) who insisted that there are many times when silence is more effective in solving the sinful friction of many a conversation. it's always stimulating to hear someone challenge the prevailing conventional wisdom...especially someone who has a good working knowledge of scripture.
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Disclaimer: The above post was not written with this blog or the blogosphere in mind. I wrote it for our local paper. However, I'm sure it applies to blogs and other internet communication also. I just didn't want you to think that some stray comment on this blog prompted this post, it didn't. The above rule applies everywhere: on the blogosphere, at home, at work, at church, on the phone, in the marketplace etc...
It's such a good rule, I'll say it again:
Before you speak (or write) next time, ask yourself this question: “Are my words helpful and encouraging?” and if they are not, don’t say them.