Watching Our Words

Good grammar mattered to my grandmother. As a former English teacher, it bothered her when she heard me use an incorrect word. For instance, when I used the word “I” in a sentence instead of “me” or “who” instead of “whom.” In her mind, there was a proper way to use the English language, and it made her cringe when someone violated the standard.

However, there is another kind of incorrect word usage that is far worse. It happens when Christians utter words that fall short of the standard God expects. Whenever we utter words that are considered crude, profane, or obscene — we violate God’s clear standards.

Anytime we speak any form of God’s name irreverently or in a way that doesn’t honor Him, we displease Him (Exodus 20:7). When we joke about sinful practices, we are speaking in a way we shouldn’t (Ephesians 5:12). If we participate in coarse talk (Ephesians 5:4), we bring dishonor to the name of Christ.

James tells us, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing …. these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10).

As Christians, using such speech is hypocritical.

Dear reader, controlling our tongue is difficult because it truly is an “unruly evil” (James 3:8 KJV), but with God’s help, we can do it! For God’s glory and with respect for His word, let’s watch our words (Colossians 4:6; cf. Matthew 12:34-37; Psalm 39:1; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 21:23).

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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