The Bible’s Viewpoint

Why Your Speech Matters

Following their polite conversation​—and not knowing that the microphone was still on—​the prime minister calls the elderly woman he just met bigoted and complains that his staff should have kept her away. The nation gasps at his characterization of the woman. With his reputation tarnished, the prime minister loses his bid for reelection just eight days later.

NO HUMAN can perfectly control the tongue. (James 3:2) Still, the above experience reveals that words matter. Your reputation, your career, and even the success or failure of your relationships with others center on how you speak.

But did you know that your words do even more? The Bible explains that your speech is actually a window into the inner person, revealing who you really are. Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Since your words reflect the feelings, thoughts, and emotions that make you unique, it is important that you analyze your speech patterns closely.

Filter your words carefully. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing,” says Proverbs 12:18. If you find that you often ‘stab,’ or hurt, others’ feelings, you would do well to make an effort to think before you speak. Heed the excellent advice found at Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the righteous one meditates so as to answer, but the mouth of the wicked ones bubbles forth with bad things.”

Try setting a goal. Over the next month, be determined not to say the first thing that comes to your mind, especially when you are provoked. Instead, reflect on the scriptures cited in this article, and make a conscious effort to speak in a wise, loving, and calm manner. (Proverbs 15:1-4, 23)