We all have to learn grammar and rules of speech in school. But did you know that there are also biblical “rules of speech” which are about grace instead of grammar:
1. Respond gently to angry words - Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger.”
2. Share the truth lovingly - Proverbs 15:2, Ephesians 4:15
(If you're resentful, proud, or disinterested, keep your mouth shut.)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing ... [so] speak the truth in love.”
3. Speak truthfully - Proverbs 15:4, Ephesians 4:25
“A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit ... [so] Let us tell our neighbors the truth.”
4. Share wisdom - Proverbs 15:7
“The lips of the wise give good advice.”
5. Wait for the right time and place to speak - Proverbs 15:23
“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”
6. Keep a clean mouth - Ephesians 4:29, 5:4
“A gentle answer deflects anger.”
2. Share the truth lovingly - Proverbs 15:2, Ephesians 4:15
(If you're resentful, proud, or disinterested, keep your mouth shut.)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing ... [so] speak the truth in love.”
3. Speak truthfully - Proverbs 15:4, Ephesians 4:25
“A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit ... [so] Let us tell our neighbors the truth.”
4. Share wisdom - Proverbs 15:7
“The lips of the wise give good advice.”
5. Wait for the right time and place to speak - Proverbs 15:23
“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”
6. Keep a clean mouth - Ephesians 4:29, 5:4
“Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful ... [no] obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes.”
God's Word doesn't teach us grammar or punctuation, but it does give us rules of speech to make us gentle, honest, wise, and helpful.
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For more, see Speech Lessons: Learning God's Language and Do You Know Mom's Version of Ephesians 4:29?
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Hi Gail, I'm not so good at waiting for the right time, sigh... However, gotta keep trying right?! Great practical post!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
I know what you mean, Tracy. There are several of these rules I need to work on.
DeleteBless you, friend.
Gail
Hi Gail, You are absolutely correct! I'm asking the Holy Spirit to lead me for the right time to reconcile. In the meantime help me to keep my mouth Shut. Help me Lord to be quick to hear and slow to speak in Jesus name🕊
DeleteHi,great rules. I got into a disagreement with a good friend recently and I left the conversation feeling quite awful. Your article made me realize what I need to improve on. So many thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello Gail keep up the good work. I'm so happy to hear good news every day in my emails. It reminds me daily to be a good servant for our Lord. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteVery good scriptures to use or remember in times of need when talking and if I cant remember these scriptures then I copy what our 44th Oresident said "We can agree to disagree" this will defuse an otherwise sometimes all out an out argument. But prayerfully I hope to remember some of these very good scriptures....I love them they are so good❤🙏
ReplyDeleteLooking forward for your postings.
ReplyDeleteGood words to live by.
Thank you.
This study is always a good reminder. We should probably all refresh ourselves on it a few times a year. Many thanks.
ReplyDelete