Speaking

The use of speech is a major ethical concern throughout Scripture, reflecting the conviction that words have weight before God and consequence for human relationships. Proverbs contains the most concentrated wisdom on speaking: the tongue has power of life and death (Prov. 18:21); the words of a wise person are like a refreshing brook (Prov. 18:4); lying lips are an abomination to the LORD but truthful lips are his delight (Prov. 12:22). The Ninth Commandment against false witness extends to all dishonest speech.

James writes the NT's most focused treatment of the tongue: though small, it is a fire capable of setting a great forest ablaze, and no human being can tame it (James 3:5–8). Paul urges speech that is "always gracious, seasoned with salt" (Col. 4:6), instructive in meetings (1 Cor. 14:26), and fit for "building up" rather than corrupting (Eph. 4:29). Jesus holds the highest standard: "By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:37), and "every careless word" will be given account of on the day of judgment (Matt. 12:36).