Be mindful of your speech
Words may lead people to peaceful destinations
And they have power to destroy decades of work
Remember what the wisest speakers do
They hold their tongue and think carefully
They show prudence and speak less
Heed the guidance of Jesus Christ
Listen to the Gospel’s sayings on words of light
As for the petty sins
Do not condemn them
For you are more alike
With a humble heart and foresight
As for the deeds of others
Do not criticize them
Aim for higher ways, lighter ways
Ask questions, make suggestions
Deception is perverse speech
Lies mislead the decision makers
They trample on love and relations
They create distrust between people
Making excuses for offenses
Leads one blindly into hateful speech
Wise people take them lightly
They are also mindful of people's feelings
Give in to no pressuring speech
It is a friend of force, it is a foe to respect
Supporting Verses
- "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." - Luke 6:45
- “Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “Listen and understand. A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” - Matthew 15:10
- “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” - Matthew 12:36-37
- Communicating your pain to the perpetrator against you is not condemnation, but do not accuse people who have no relation to you, unless they are committing a heinous sin
- Criticisms are tools of the narrow-minded, but thoughtful questions allow for expansion
- Sarcasm sows confusion, but a straight word earns respect
- It is good to respond well to correction (and insults) from others
Gossip, Vulgarity, sarcasms, shameful talk, shaming others, insulting others, putting others down, accusing others, coercive speech, do not fight with words (not seeing eye-to-eye, but okay to clarify or get to the bottom), be not harsh
speak gently but directly, teach at inoffensive times if possible, good long-term teaching and God's word is worth a short-term offense, do state positions and opinions but silence (or steer away from) arguments
Have reverence for the Lord, respect His name
Good (safe) words of honor, affection, teaching (formal, or informal as simply letting them know), questions, suggestions
Pray for goodness in all words
If a person asks for your critique, provide it.
If an authority or a brother uses bad words, accept it.
By our words we may have love for one another just as Jesus disciples did