How can we ensure our words align with God's truth, as Job 13:7 advises? Job 13:7—God’s Expectation for Our Speech “Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf and speak deceitfully for Him?” Job exposes the danger of misrepresenting the Lord. Every word about God must reflect unvarnished truth. The Standard: Absolute Truthfulness • God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). • His word is forever settled (Psalm 119:89). • Believers must exhibit “sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:8). Foundational Attitudes That Shape God-Honoring Words • Humility—submitting opinions to Scripture (Isaiah 66:2). • Fear of the Lord—dreading any distortion of His character (Proverbs 1:7). • Love—speaking to build up, not to win arguments (Ephesians 4:29). Practical Steps to Guard the Tongue • Soak in Scripture daily; speak from its overflow (Colossians 3:16). • Check every statement against the text; stay silent until certain (Proverbs 17:27-28). • Avoid speculation about divine motives; cling to revealed truths (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Reject exaggeration; let “Yes be Yes, and No, No” (Matthew 5:37). • Confess quickly when words stray (1 John 1:9). • Welcome accountability from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6). Scriptural Safeguards for the Mouth Habits That Keep Speech in Line with Scripture • Morning recitation of a short passage. • Quoting Scripture accurately in conversation. • Writing out biblical truths before teaching or counseling. • Pausing before replying, weighing words against the Word. • Evening review of the day’s speech under the Spirit’s searchlight. The Fruit of Truth-Aligned Words • Credibility inside and outside the church. • Hearers strengthened in faith (Romans 10:17). • Communities marked by peace (James 3:18). • Personal joy from integrity (Proverbs 12:14). • God glorified as His unaltered truth is proclaimed (1 Peter 4:11). |
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