Biblical teachings about speech
It may cause a problem to speak improper words and to listen to those words as well. The Israelites, who listened to the negative words from the ten spies, even forgot the promise which God had given them and fell into fear and despair. Both those who spoke the false words and the people who listened to them were finally disqualified for entering the land of Canaan.
Pr 12:22-25 "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."
As the above verse from Proverbs says, anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. As for us, God is always with us and the kingdom of heaven is waiting for us. If we go back to the glorious kingdom of God, there will be no more death or pain or suffering.
The kingdom of God, where we will enjoy eternal glory forever and ever, is waiting for us. Even though so many worries overtake us, let us turn all our worries into joy and pleasure through God's good and gracious words, always looking forward to heaven. The Bible has many teachings about speech. If we regard those teachings merely as a means of guiding our daily lives and not a command of God, we are totally mistaken. Just as the Sabbath is a commandment of God, the teachings about speech are also a commandment and rule of God which we must keep.
Pr 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
When conversing, we need to always give grace to one another and turn away wrath with a gentle answer rather than a harsh word, as the beautiful children of God. This is God's desire for us. So, we must not hurt each other by words, but give grace to one another and help each other hold fast to the hope for heaven. Even in troubles, let's rejoice with the truth, being conscious of God, and speak many pleasant and gracious words to each other.
Gracious words that can change a man
In human society, words cause much problem or trouble between people. So, there are many wise sayings and teachings about speech. Among them, there is a collection of inspirational quotes from the famous American author and speaker, Zig Ziglar.
A businessman dropped a dollar into the cup of a man selling pencils and hurriedly stepped aboard the subway train. On second thought, he stepped back off the train, walked over to the beggar, and took several pencils from the cup. Apologetically, he explained that in his haste he had neglected to pick up his pencils and hoped the man wouldn't be upset with him. "After all," he said, "you are a businessman just like me. You have merchandise to sell and it's fairly priced." Then he caught the next train.
At a social function a few months later, a neatly dressed salesman stepped up to the businessman and introduced himself. "You probably don't remember me and I don't know your name, but I will never forget you. You are the man who gave me back my self-respect. I was a "beggar" selling pencils until you came along and told me I was a businessman."
Like this, one word can change a man's life completely. Of course, not all who hear the same words are changed, but among them those who have an honest spirit can undergo a positive change.
As the children of God in Zion, let us speak only gracious words. To the people who are oblivious of God and to those who live in discouragement and despair without thinking of God, let's speak words that can remind them of God. There is no doubt that the most gracious words are the words of life that can save dead souls, isn't it? God has given us the opportunity to preach so that we can speak such gracious words.
I earnestly hope that all our family members in Zion will continue to preach God's word of life to all people around the world and heal many souls whatever position and situation we are in, always speaking good, beautiful and gracious words to our family, Church members and our neighbors as well.
I was reborn in God~
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