Pastor's Ponderings, October 15, 2018

What Are You Talking About?

Jive Talkin' was a song by the Bee Gees in May 1975. Some of the lyrics were, “It's just your jive talkin', you're telling me lies ... jive talkin', you wear a disguise... so misunderstood... You really no good.” Unfortunately, our culture tolerates lies, deception, and hurtful words in so much of our conversation.  For example, Scott Walker, the Republican candidate for governor of Pennsylvania said, “Gov. Wolf, let me tell you between now and Nov. 6, you better put a catcher’s mask on your face because I’m going to stomp all over your face with golf spikes.” Although he later apologized, the damage from his words remains.

The Bible says that we must be careful how we speak because we will give an account of every idle word in the Day of Judgment (Matthew 12:36-37).  We must realize that we can speak death and life by the power of our tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  No one can expect to get away with cursing others by throwing in a few praises to God (James 3:9, 10).  Our tongues were meant to encourage others (Ephesians 4:29) and to glorify God.

What have you been talking about?  Have you used your wit to skewer others so that your talent can sound amusing? Have you torn someone else down to make you feel better? Are your words supporting others to be all that they can be? The Bible says that saying the right word is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11). 

We should follow King David’s suggestion about his mouth.  He was so concerned about what he spoke that he asked God to watch over his mouth (Psalm 141:3). Andy Rooney said, “Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.” Let us make the decision that we will watch our words so that they are always helpful and not hurtful.

Matthew 12:36-37
New International Version (NIV)

36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 
37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 18:21
New International Version (NIV)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

James 3:9, 10 

New International Version (NIV)

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.

10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Ephesians 4:29 

New International Version (NIV)

29 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.

Proverbs 25:11
King James Version (KJV)
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Psalm 141:3
New International Version (NIV)

3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.