by William Sloan

What does Holy Scripture say about speech? Moreover, how does the Living God instruct the faithful to communicate with Him and humans? The Holy Bible is eternally clear that human’s speech must be orthodox, Biblical and constructive to honor the Father, Son and Spirit.

Humans are granted the mechanism of speech as those created in the image of the Father and must communicate in a manner obedient to His written word. The Father, Son and Spirit chose to articulate their perfect and divine will through the channel of words or speech through the Biblical authors. Insofar, as the Godhead chooses to inform humanity in a detailed manner through the mechanism of words, the faithful must embrace the Biblical truth that orthodox speech is requisite for those in Christ. Holy Scripture’s instruction about the godly usage of words is lucid and consistent.

For example, David, son of Jesse, is described as a man prudent in speech, who was accommodated by the Sovereign God (1 Samuel 16:18.) David also maintains that the Living God daily instructs him through the mechanism of words, or “pours forth speech” (Psalm 19:2.) David, who interiorized the necessity to speak in an orthodox manner, warns individuals about the repugnancy of crooked and perverse speech, which the Father deplores (Psalm 55:21.) Similarly, Solomon maintains that devious and impure speech is an abomination to the Sovereign God and is not beneficial to the faithful (Proverbs 4:24.) Solomon also contends that crooked and perverse speech is villainous and is, moreover, hated by the Father (Proverbs 8:13.) Solomon writes that humans must utilize Biblical discretion before they speak, thus their words function judiciously for the Living God (Proverbs 10:19, 12:6, 16:23.) Moreover, Solomon writes that orthodox speech is utilized by those who endeavor to maintain integrity and piety (Proverbs 19:1.) Similarly, Ezekiel warns individuals that abusive speech is abominated by the Sovereign God and must be corrected (Ezekiel 35:12.) Zephaniah also instructs the faithful that the Living God despises crooked speech and will purify and reform it for His use (Zephaniah 3:9.) Similarly, Isaiah instructs Israel to heed the speech Jehovah has granted him to inform and lead the faithful (Isaiah 28:23.) The Hebrew authors are serious and consistent about the necessity of communicating in a godly manner.

The instruction of the New Testament authors is congruent with those in the Old Testament. For example, Paul instructs the Corinthians that pious and orthodox speech is granted to the faithful by the Triune God for His use (1 Corinthians 1:5.) Moreover, Paul maintains that those in Christ must utilize truthful and constructive speech (2 Corinthians 6:7.) Paul informs the Corinthians that Biblical and pure speech is an indicator and characteristic of those persevering in divine grace (2 Corinthians 8:7.) Moreover, Paul contends that the faithful must speak in a controlled and Biblical manner to contend for the faith properly (Colossians 4:6, 1 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 2:8.) Paul instructs his pupils to be calculated and informed as the teach the orthodox faith. Luke instructs the Apostles to speak Biblical truths in the face of adversity, endeavoring to lead others to Gospel (Acts 18:9-10.) Christ, our Redeemer, maintains that human’s words are designed to honor him and not for perversity and defilement (Matthew 15:11.)

In sum, the Father, Son and Spirit have utilized the mechanism of words through the Biblical authors to inform the faithful in a detailed and infallible manner. Humanity is offered redemption in Christ, who has breathed out Holy Scripture. The earnest study of the written Word most accurately informs the faithful. Communicating in a Biblical manner glorifies the Godhead and is an action through which we mature in Christ.

WILL SLOAN is the minister at Grace Memorial United Methodist Church in Sedley. Contact him at willsloan@vaumc.org.