What does "grace has anointed your lips" teach about our speech? Setting the Scene Psalm 45:2 celebrates the royal Bridegroom—ultimately fulfilled in Christ—saying, “You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever.” The Spirit draws our eyes to the King’s mouth first, not His crown or sword. Words reveal the heart, so the psalmist highlights a mouth overflowing with grace. The Meaning of Grace-Anointed Lips • “Grace” (ḥēn) speaks of favor, kindness, and beauty. • “Anointed” evokes the sacred oil poured on kings and priests, setting them apart for God’s service. • Put together, the King’s lips are set apart, saturated with divine kindness, and every syllable He speaks conveys the favor of God. Implications for Our Speech If the Messiah’s lips overflow with grace, those united to Him should echo that same fragrance. Scripture draws at least four lessons: 1. Our words carry weight. They can mirror the King’s beauty or mar it (Proverbs 18:21). 2. Grace-filled speech is evidence of God’s blessing resting on us (Psalm 45:2b). 3. Speaking graciously is not optional; it is a calling linked to our royal identity in Christ (1 Peter 2:9). 4. The anointing comes from God, so we must rely on the Spirit, not mere self-effort (Galatians 5:22–23). Supporting Scriptures • Ephesians 4:29—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” • Colossians 4:6—“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” • Proverbs 16:24—“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” • James 3:9–10—“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men… My brothers, this should not be!” • 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.” Practical Steps to Cultivate Grace-Filled Words • Linger in Scripture daily; let God’s own words flavor yours. • Pray before speaking important words—“Lord, anoint my lips with grace.” • Replace complaints with thanksgiving; gratitude trains the tongue. • Listen well. Gracious speech grows in the soil of careful listening (James 1:19). • Practice timely silence; sometimes the most gracious word is restraint (Proverbs 17:27-28). • Encourage specifically—name God’s work you see in others. • Apologize quickly when your words wound; repentance restores grace’s flow. Closing Encouragement Psalm 45 invites us to gaze on the King whose lips drip with grace. As we worship Him, His anointing overflows to us, transforming everyday conversations into channels of blessing that point others back to the gracious King Himself. |
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