When we sin with our mouths, we know that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Because Jesus was perfect in how He spoke and how He lived, He could bear God’s wrath for our sins as our substitute. He has paid for all of the times we have sinned or will sin with our mouths.

Applying the Truth of James 3

This is the final article in an ongoing series concerning James 3 and the speech of a Christian. In this series, we’ve explored the gravity of words and the destructive power of our words when we use them sinfully. As Christians, we have redeemed hearts, so our speech should be consistent with that new nature. True saving faith should result in righteous speech.

Let’s end this series by getting very practical and looking at a few examples of how we should and should not be speaking as believers and what the Bible says about them.

Dishonestly vs. Honestly

• Sinful Ways This Can Manifest Itself:
  • Out and out lying.
  • Shading the truth by leaving key details out.
• What Does the Bible Say About This?

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. (Prov 12:22)

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Eph 4:25)

• How Should We Communicate Instead?
  • Honestly

Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips. (Prov 24:26)

• Lovingly

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eph 4:15-16)

Harshly and Critically vs. Gently and Graciously

• Sinful Ways This Can Manifest Itself:
  • Being overly critical or always finding fault with your spouse or kids.
  • Having perfectionistic standards that are impossible for others to meet.
  • Having a harsh tone or using biting words.
  • Speaking rudely.
• What Does the Bible Say About This?

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov 15:1)

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. (Prov 11:12)

• How Should We Communicate Instead?
  • Gently/Graciously

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Prov 15:4)

The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Prov 16:23-24)

• Encouragingly

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thess 5:11)

Angrily vs. Patiently

• Sinful Ways This Can Manifest Itself:
  • Blowing up or yelling.
  • Picking fights with others.
  • Sullenness, withdrawing, or giving the silent treatment.
• What Does the Bible Say About This?

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. (Matt 5:21-22)

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