“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6
You’ve probably heard familiar sayings about our speech. There are many! “Don’t put your foot in your mouth”; “God gave us two ears and one mouth”; “Loose lips sink ships”; and so on. A multitude of phrases and proverbs like this exist because all of us have regrets about times we’ve spoken carelessly or hurtfully.
Solomon wrote that “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious” (Ecclesiastes 10:12a). The Apostle Paul tells us that our conversation is to be always full of grace, carrying on each word the lovingkindness of God. Our speech must be seasoned with salt—flavorful, purifying, and healing where necessary. When these thoughts govern our speaking, we will know how to answer everyone without having deep regrets later.
Our world seems to go for sarcastic speech, harsh comebacks, and combative talk. Choose instead to be gracious and courteous with your words. Others may find it so pleasant and attractive that they will want to know more about Jesus. The words you use can bring hope and meaning into someone’s life.
Solomon wrote that “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious” (Ecclesiastes 10:12a). The Apostle Paul tells us that our conversation is to be always full of grace, carrying on each word the lovingkindness of God. Our speech must be seasoned with salt—flavorful, purifying, and healing where necessary. When these thoughts govern our speaking, we will know how to answer everyone without having deep regrets later.
Our world seems to go for sarcastic speech, harsh comebacks, and combative talk. Choose instead to be gracious and courteous with your words. Others may find it so pleasant and attractive that they will want to know more about Jesus. The words you use can bring hope and meaning into someone’s life.
Scripture Focus
James 3:1-10
Insight
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 35-36
- Psalm 148
- 1 Timothy 5-6
