Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5546 speech  »  5549 speech, positive aspects of

The way in which believers speak should reflect their calling as Christians. Christian speech should be sincere, godly and honouring to God.

The desire for godly speech

In oneself

Psalm 19:14 See also Psalm 17:3; Psalm 39:1; Psalm 141:3

In others

Ephesians 4:29-31 See also Proverbs 4:24; Ecclesiastes 5:6; Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8-10; 1 Peter 3:9-10; Psalm 34:12-13

Characteristics of godly speech in relation to God

It gives glory to God

Hebrews 13:15 See also Psalm 34:1; Psalm 35:28; Psalm 51:15; 1 Peter 2:9

It gives thanks and praise to God

Colossians 3:17 See also Deuteronomy 8:10; 1 Chronicles 16:4,7-8,34-36; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 118:1,19,21,28-29; Joel 2:26; Mark 8:6-7; Colossians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 3:9-10

It confesses Jesus Christ as Lord

Romans 10:9-10 See also Matthew 10:32-33 pp Luke 12:8-9; Matthew 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:3

Characteristics of godly speech in relation to others

It is gentle, gracious and tactful

Colossians 4:6 See also Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 10:32; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 16:24; Ecclesiastes 10:12; Daniel 2:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15

It is kind

Proverbs 12:25 See also Genesis 50:19-21; Job 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:24-25

It is instructive and edifying

Colossians 3:16 See also Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:2,4,7; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 25:11-12; Proverbs 31:26; Malachi 2:7; Ephesians 4:15,29

It is prudent and restrained

Proverbs 17:27 See also Proverbs 15:28; Proverbs 18:13; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Ecclesiastes 9:17; James 1:19

It is honest and unadorned

Matthew 5:37 See also Psalm 15:2-3; Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 24:26; Proverbs 27:5-6,9; Proverbs 28:23

It is truthful and sincere

Zechariah 8:16 See also Exodus 20:16 pp Deuteronomy 5:20; Proverbs 12:17,19,22; Malachi 2:6; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Corinthians 4:2; Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 4:25

It is wise

Psalm 37:30 See also Proverbs 10:13,31; Proverbs 13:14; Acts 6:10

It will speak of God and his works

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 See also Psalm 40:9-10; Psalm 145:7; Malachi 3:16

Jesus Christ's speech was perfect and unique

John 7:46 See also Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 13:54 pp Mark 6:2; Luke 4:22; 1 Peter 2:22-23; Isaiah 53:9

Speech as a means of blessing people

Numbers 6:22-27 See also Genesis 1:22,28; Deuteronomy 21:5; 1 Chronicles 23:13

See also

1335  blessing
1460  truth
5922  prudence
7797  teaching
8252  faithfulness, relationships
8275  honesty
8291  kindness
8352  thankfulness
8361  wisdom
8407  confession of Christ
8413  edification
8664  praise