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

In others Eph 4:29-31 See also Pr 4:24; Ecc 5:6; Eph 5:4; Col 3:8-10; 1Pe 3:9-10; Ps 34:12-13

Characteristics of godly speech in relation to God

It gives glory to God Heb 13:15 See also Ps 34:1; Ps 35:28; Ps 51:15; 1Pe 2:9

It gives thanks and praise to God Col 3:17 See also Dt 8:10; 1Ch 16:4,7-8,34-36; Ps 100:4; Ps 118:1,19,21,28-29; Joel 2:26; Mk 8:6-7; Col 2:7; 1Th 5:18; Jas 3:9-10

It confesses Jesus Christ as Lord Ro 10:9-10 See also Mt 10:32-33 pp Lk 12:8-9; Mt 16:16; 1Co 12:3

Characteristics of godly speech in relation to others

It is gentle, gracious and tactful Col 4:6 See also Jdg 8:1-3; Pr 10:32; Pr 15:1; Pr 16:24; Ecc 10:12; Da 2:14-16; 1Pe 3:15

It is kind Pr 12:25 See also Ge 50:19-21; Job 4:3-4; 1Co 4:13; 2Ti 2:24-25

It is instructive and edifying Col 3:16 See also Pr 12:18; Pr 15:2,4,7; Pr 20:15; Pr 25:11-12; Pr 31:26; Mal 2:7; Eph 4:15,29

It is prudent and restrained Pr 17:27 See also Pr 15:28; Pr 18:13; Ecc 5:2; Ecc 9:17; Jas 1:19

It is honest and unadorned Mt 5:37 See also Ps 15:2-3; Ps 141:5; Pr 24:26; Pr 27:5-6,9; Pr 28:23

It is truthful and sincere Zec 8:16 See also Ex 20:16 pp Dt 5:20; Pr 12:17,19,22; Mal 2:6; 2Co 2:17; 2Co 4:2; 2Co 6:7; Eph 4:25

It is wise Ps 37:30 See also Pr 10:13,31; Pr 13:14; Ac 6:10

It will speak of God and his works Dt 6:6-9 See also Ps 40:9-10; Ps 145:7; Mal 3:16

Jesus Christ’s speech was perfect and unique

Jn 7:46 See also Mt 7:28-29; Mt 13:54 pp Mk 6:2; Lk 4:22; 1Pe 2:22-23; Isa 53:9

Speech as a means of blessing people Nu 6:22-27 See also Ge 1:22,28; Dt 21:5; 1Ch 23:13

See also