“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” (vv.17-18)
Words can be used to build up or to tear down, to bless or condemn. When looking for a friend, we are naturally drawn to the person who is constantly building us up. But those who are negative, constantly tearing us down, we avoid like the plague, for their words are like the piercings of the sword.
As a Christian, our words need to promote health, to lift up the spirits of those who are around us. Building up and edifying our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, as well as those outside the church who need a touch from the Lord.
Yes we are to speak the truth, but in love. Not by browbeating someone with condemnation, nor cutting to the heart with a sharp tongue. But rather our words should be like a warm cup of tea, a healing agent, a comfort, lifting them up and pointing to the love of Christ.
Speaking in truth addresses what we say, speaking in love addresses how we say it. Both are important!
The Truth: “So, that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..” (Ephesians 4:14-15)
Words can be used to build up or to tear down, to bless or condemn. When looking for a friend, we are naturally drawn to the person who is constantly building us up. But those who are negative, constantly tearing us down, we avoid like the plague, for their words are like the piercings of the sword.
As a Christian, our words need to promote health, to lift up the spirits of those who are around us. Building up and edifying our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, as well as those outside the church who need a touch from the Lord.
Yes we are to speak the truth, but in love. Not by browbeating someone with condemnation, nor cutting to the heart with a sharp tongue. But rather our words should be like a warm cup of tea, a healing agent, a comfort, lifting them up and pointing to the love of Christ.
Speaking in truth addresses what we say, speaking in love addresses how we say it. Both are important!
The Truth: “So, that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..” (Ephesians 4:14-15)
