Which New Testament teachings support the value of trustworthy communication? The wisdom of Proverbs 13:17 “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.” (Proverbs 13:17) Right in the middle of Solomon’s collection, God sets two kinds of communicators side by side: the unreliable messenger who multiplies harm, and the dependable envoy whose very words carry healing. The New Testament repeatedly echoes this contrast, urging believers to be people whose speech is consistently faithful, transparent, and life-giving. Seeing Proverbs Echoed in the Gospels • Jesus ties reliable words to authentic discipleship: – “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) – His warning implies that careless or manipulative speech aligns with evil, while straightforward honesty reflects God’s character. • Faithfulness in little things points to faithfulness in greater matters: – “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10) – If our daily words can’t be trusted, larger responsibilities also become suspect. Paul’s Letters: Truthful Speech as a Mark of the New Creation • Ephesians highlights a radical break from the old life: – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25) – “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29) • Colossians gives two complementary commands: – Negative: “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:9) – Positive: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) • Paul models open, transparent ministry: – “We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit… by open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience.” (2 Corinthians 4:2) James: The Tongue Reveals the Heart • James 3 treats speech as the litmus test of spiritual maturity: – “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men… My brothers, this should not be!” (James 3:9-10) – Trustworthy communication springs from a heart submitted to heavenly wisdom, “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason…” (James 3:17). Peter and John: Truthfulness Builds Fellowship • Peter quotes Psalm 34 to connect honest speech with a blessed life: – “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” (1 Peter 3:10) • John insists that shared life with God demands integrity: – “If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6) Putting It into Practice 1. Remember how much is at stake—your words can bring trouble or healing (Proverbs 13:17). 2. Anchor everyday conversation in the straightforward honesty Jesus commands (Matthew 5:37). 3. Filter speech through the two questions Paul implies: Is it truthful? Is it edifying? (Ephesians 4:25, 29). 4. Treat small promises as training ground for larger stewardship (Luke 16:10). 5. Keep short accounts with God; let repentance cleanse the heart so the tongue can follow (James 3). 6. Pursue a reputation where, like a faithful envoy, your very presence signals healing and trust. |
    |