"The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips."
- Prov. 16:23

 

  Many people are afraid that honesty in speech will cost them friendship, love and respect. So they either keep their lips zipped or say something other than what they mean. Additional factors that may impede straight talk are shyness, lack of self-worth, fear of displaying ignorance, fear of criticism, and fear of hurting someone's feelings.

 

  Christians are not immune to this problem. Trying to be both loving and truthful is often extremely difficult. The Bible provides a balance and optimistic approach to this dilemma. Being honest with a person may hurt, but if we speak kindly and with compassion, we give him the . . .

"The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips."
- Prov. 16:23

 

  Many people are afraid that honesty in speech will cost them friendship, love and respect. So they either keep their lips zipped or say something other than what they mean. Additional factors that may impede straight talk are shyness, lack of self-worth, fear of displaying ignorance, fear of criticism, and fear of hurting someone's feelings.

 

  Christians are not immune to this problem. Trying to be both loving and truthful is often extremely difficult. The Bible provides a balance and optimistic approach to this dilemma. Being honest with a person may hurt, but if we speak kindly and with compassion, we give him the support he needs to face reality.

 

  The third chapter of James indicates that divine wisdom can help us talk effectively, for it is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, with out partiality, and without hypocrisy." The believer who lets these characteristics govern his speech will not have to hide behind a wall of words. He heart will teach his mouth and add learning to his lips.

 

      How easy it is to use many words,

        And yet be unwise in the things you say;

      So willingly yield your lips to the LORD,

        And hearts will be blest by them every day.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Gentle words fall lightly, but they have great weight.