Unwise words are no rare event, being, unfortunately, very common among Christians. Surely James was correct when he wrote that “we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. . . . no human being can tame the tongue” (James 3:2, 8).
If no one can completely avoid foolish words, then in one sense our speech is a lifelong exercise in damage control. Have you ever hurt someone with hasty, careless words? Ever spread a rumor that proved to be untrue? Ever joined in gossip? Ever watched your poor attempt at humor cause an offense? Have you slandered someone out of spite? Or given bad advice that harmed others? Have you spoken the right words, but at the wrong time? We all have, and the goal is to do so less often.
Yet it is also by words that the gospel is preached, and that we can encourage one another with truth and express godly affection. Paul urges us to speak “what is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who
To continue...read the full-length post originally published on this site.
