How can we ensure our words align with biblical truth, as in Ecclesiastes 12:10? Opening the Text “The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to record words of truth accurately.” (Ecclesiastes 12:10) Solomon models a two–fold commitment: he searches for words that both please and stay precisely faithful to God’s truth. The verse invites us to the same careful balance—speech that is gracious yet uncompromisingly accurate. Why Our Words Matter • Jesus declared, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Words reveal what rules the heart. • “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Speech directs destinies—ours and others’. • We will “give an account for every careless word” (Matthew 12:36). God records our vocabulary; we should, too. Guidelines for Aligning Our Words with Truth 1. Saturate the mind with Scripture ‑ “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). ‑ What fills the mind will inevitably shape the mouth. 2. Submit every statement to God’s standard ‑ “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). ‑ Before speaking, silently ask, “Does this match what God has said?” 3. Speak after listening ‑ “The righteous weighs his answers” (Proverbs 15:28). ‑ Hasty talk often strays from truth; measured words stay aligned. 4. Season speech with grace and clarity ‑ “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). ‑ Truth needs grace’s flavor to be welcomed. 5. Refuse corrupt communication ‑ “No foul word should proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for edification” (Ephesians 4:29). ‑ If it tears down or twists Scripture, leave it unsaid. 6. Guard against duplicity ‑ “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men…these things ought not to be so” (James 3:9-10). ‑ Truthful mouths cannot harbor hypocrisy. Practical Habits to Cultivate • Daily Scripture reading aloud—train the tongue in God’s vocabulary. • Memorize key verses that correct common speech sins (gossip, exaggeration, complaint). • Keep a “word journal.” Note conversations that honored or dishonored truth; confess and adjust. • Invite accountability from a trusted believer who can lovingly flag unbiblical words. • Pause and pray before hard conversations: “Lord, guide my tongue to Your truth.” Scriptures to Keep on Your Tongue • Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” • Proverbs 16:23 – “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” • Philippians 2:14-15 – “Do everything without complaining or arguing… so that you will shine as lights in the world.” • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” A Closing Charge Like Solomon, search diligently for words that delight yet anchor firmly in God’s inerrant truth. Let Scripture be the measure, grace be the tone, and Christ be the center of every sentence you speak today. |
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