Table of Contents
Key Verse
- For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses]. James 3:2 AMP
What to speak?
- If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. 1 Peter 4:11 NIV 1984
- Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:6 BSB
- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29 NIV
- Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29 NASB
How to speak?
With Carefully Chosen Words
- My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger James 1:19 BSB
- Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving] James 1:19 AMP
- To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! Pro 15:23 ESV
At Right Time
- Like apples of gold in settings of silver, Is a word spoken at the proper time. Proverbs 25:11 NASB
With Gentle Answers
- a gentle tongue can break a bone. Pro 25:15 BSB
- By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance]. Pro 25:15 AMP
- A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NASB
With Less Words
- When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19 HCSB
- When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise. Proverbs 10:19 AMP
- Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28 AMP
- Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28 BSB
GOD can give you the right words
- Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel Ephesians 6:19 BSB
Prayer
- May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 BSB