By Glen Bowman
Social media, cell phones, and other technology have made it easier than ever to share our opinion about any given topic. Freedom of speech is a blessing, but how often should we use it? The Bible says that there is “a time to keep silence and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). When should we be silent and when should we speak? How often should we practice each? God’s answers may surprise you!
In Ecclesiastes 5, it says to draw near to listen when we enter the house of God. While we should praise God, it says in verse 2 to “be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few!” Conversely, it says that “a fool’s voice is known by many words” (verse 3). Ouch! What if I have good things to say? The Bible says to not let “your mouth lead you into sin” in verse 6. This may happen more often than we realize!
In fact, Proverbs 10:19 mentions that “when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Basically, we can’t talk a lot without sinning. Plus, we should hold our tongue. Even when we really want to certain things that may be complaining or justified in our minds, we shouldn’t (Philippians 2:14; Romans 12:17-21). This may be difficult, but not impossible!
The Bible gives us some instances where we should take special note of being silent. James 1:19b, 20 says that everyone should be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” When we’re talking to someone, especially when angry, we should be silentat first. Overall, we should guard our mouths to preserves our lives, because if we open our lips wide, we come to ruin(Proverbs 13:3). Basically, don’t talk too much and be selective about what you say.
When should we speak then? One explanation is mentioned in Ephesians 4:29, where it states, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Only talk when you can build someone up. Wow, what a tough saying! Think about how encouraging the world would be though if people did this, or even if just you did it.
There are also good causes that we should speak to promote. Especially in the Old Testament, God emphasizes groups such as these: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9). While some people have done this terribly (not in accordance with Ephesians 4:29), we can and should do better! It’s hard sometimes to choose our battles, but we should help those who can’t help themselves.
Finally, we need to speak God’s truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We need to know God’s word well and teach it to Christians and non-Christians (Colossians 3:16; Romans 10:14). Almost everything else that we can talk about is trivial compared to the words of life (John 6:63, 68). We should probably talk about God more and everything else less. Many of the other things that we talk about don’t build others up anyway. My hope and prayer is that these articles will build you up and help you in every time and season of life!
