The Power of Words

I remember an expression that we used to hear more than we do today – “Mind your manners.” This was and still is good advice. The concern is over social conduct or deportment. There are ways of acting that are customary to the occasion. Some of these are common sense, while others must be learned. Deportment is revealed by both one’s words and deeds.

Another expression is “Watch your mouth”. Sometimes this is in response to someone who is sassy, and sometimes to someone whose words are, at best, unsavory. James tells us that the person who has his tongue tamed is a perfect man (3:2). Let us endeavor to have our “conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt...” (Colossians 4:6)

Consider the following Scripture highlights:

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. (2 Corinthians 8:21)

Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God (1 Corinthians 10:32)

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. (Ephesians 4:29)

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:3-4)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)