Week Forty - Verbal Diarrhea

Oh, some people are big talkers, especially on social media. They aren't afraid to use foul language, post rude or harsh comments, or angrily spout their political opinions. And when the Facebook police censor them, they rant and complain, either not realizing, or ignoring the fact that one day we will all give account for every idle word, every ill-advised post, to the Judge in heaven.

Matthew 12:36 reads, "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

God knows our tendency to speak before we think, and He knows the damage caused by our ill-advised words. So in James 3:5-11, He confronts us, saying our tongues are boastful, full of iniquity, untameable, poisonous, and bitter. 

The book of Proverbs repeatedly cautions us about opening our mouths. We are warned against gossip and injuring others in Proverbs 16:27-28, 17:9, 18:8. We are assured that our words not only have the power to destroy others but ourselves as well in Proverbs 18:6,7 and 10:14. We could spend a lot of time going through Proverbs on this subject, but if you struggle with verbal diarrhea, take time to study and apply what you learn. You'll soon find your word count diminishing and your peace and wisdom on the rise.

Let's go back to James 3 and look at the source of our words. Here's where we find the problem. Verse 13 poses a question - "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?"  The answer to recognizing a person of wisdom, God says, is by their life and words.

If their wisdom is godly and profitable, it will produce these qualities - peace, purity, gentleness, openness, mercy, good fruits, and honesty of character. And the result of such a life is peace.

But if, like those who spout hateful, boastful words, these qualities are more evident - bitterness, envy, rebellion against the truth, anger, evil, and confusion (vs. 14-16), you can know they are coming not from a peaceful heart, but a bitter and angry spirit. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks, right?

Here's how I see it. A person can brag and boast and be very opinionated, which drives people away and creates more strife. Or they can measure their words with grace, season them with salt, and draw men to peace. 

When the time comes for the accounting, I'd much prefer to stand unashamed than condemned and embarrassed for my vocal and social indiscretions. And right now, people need words of comfort spoken with love and grace and words that lift up our Master. So let's make our words measured and few and our grace toward others generous. Don't you agree?

Let me leave you with Proverbs 17:27-28, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."