Good Speech

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon shared his wisdom by saying “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Good speech might be defined as the expression of thought in well chosen words. We should know and understand that people are judged by the words they speak and by what they do. These are the two things we have by which to know the mind or heart of others. Jesus said, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

The importance of good speech was emphasized by the apostle Paul. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Solomon also let us know the importance of choosing our words carefully; “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20).

The act of choosing our words wisely is important based on what Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37. “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” All of us need to make sure that we are very careful with the words that we speak. The fact is – God hears us and we will give an account of our words at the great judgment day. Remember, anyone can use profanity and act foolishly, but the wise individual will think before speaking, making sure that their speech imparts grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).