What other scriptures emphasize the importance of speaking truthfully and timely? Overflowing with Truth: Job 32:19 “Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like new wineskins.” (Job 32:19) • Elihu pictures truth pent-up within him—pressure that must be released. • God’s Word presents truth-telling not as optional but as an urgent, Spirit-driven necessity. Foundations in Law and Wisdom • Leviticus 19:11 — “You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.” • Zechariah 8:16 — “These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another…” • Proverbs 12:17 — “He who speaks the truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.” • Proverbs 12:22 — “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” Timely Words: The Right Moment to Speak • Ecclesiastes 3:7 — “…a time to be silent and a time to speak.” • Proverbs 15:23 — “A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!” • Ephesians 4:26 — “Be angry, yet do not sin; do not let the sun set upon your anger.” • Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need…” Jesus—the Embodiment of Truth • Matthew 5:37 — “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” • John 14:6 — “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life…’” The Lord’s own words model clarity, integrity, and immediacy. Church Instructions: Living Truthfully Together • Ephesians 4:25 — “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” • Colossians 3:9 — “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” • 1 Peter 3:15 — “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect.” Blessings—and Warnings—Attached to Our Words • Psalm 15:1-2 — “He who walks with integrity… who speaks the truth from his heart” will dwell in God’s presence. • Proverbs 12:19 — “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” • Revelation 21:8 — “…all liars—their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.” Putting It into Practice • Guard the heart; truthful speech flows from a heart ruled by Christ. • Speak when the Spirit prompts—delay can squander opportunities for grace. • Refuse deceit in every form; even “small” lies erode integrity. • Aim for words that edify, heal, and point others to the Truth incarnate. |
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