Many conversations reveal to me that a majority of people do not understand the definition of a Christian. To some, they can just look up the word in a Webster’s dictionary and find out that a Christian is someone who accepts Christianity as their religion.

Today’s study will involve only one facet of the Christian’s life – that of speech. Christians are those who follow Christ and His apostles by adhering to their standard of living. For example, how a person talks will reveal whether they follow Christ or not. No, I’m not claiming perfection in any area of life. Yet, one’s general way of speech will identify them as Christians. Our text today is Ephesians 4:29 and it appears in a context describing how we ought to walk since we were called to Christ. This is an extensive study because the Bible has so much to teach concerning it. So, we will adopt an outline format.

The Christian’s life is to be radically changed from the way that he or she once lived while in the world. The Christian is described as the “new man” in Christ and is guided by God’s will, not his own. The Spirit reveals in the Bible how we are to live. When Christians choose to go back to their previous lifestyle and their own way, we do something the Bible calls “grieving the Spirit.” Why? The Spirit, who dwells within the Christian as a seal of our redemption, cannot continue to have fellowship with one who is turned to his own way. This is true when applied to our speech. This week, we will look at the wrong use of speech for the Christian. In a following issue, we will pursue some biblical thoughts on the proper use of the tongue.

Much if not all of improper speech for the Christian can be summed up as “idle” or “careless” speech. We all struggle with this as James (chap.3) describes the nature of our tongues. Though small, the tongue is very powerful (cf. Prov. 18:21) and can leave havoc and destruction in its path. It has the power to arouse unwanted emotions in others and ourselves. Learning to use our words sparingly (cf. Prov.10:19) and responsibly will control this natural unruly evil. Therefore, Christians will concentrate on the good use of words, instead of being careless (Matthew 12:36-37). Since our speech is the product of what is in our hearts (Mat. 12:35), we will guard our heart with all diligence (Prov. 23:7) and be careful to what our heart is exposed. Good thinking (Phil 4:8) will reflect good speech. Idle talk includes an array of displeasing talk to God.

Lying is the intent to falsify or mislead through deception. All liars will go to hell (Rev. 22:15, 21:8). It is incompatible with the religion of Christ (Eph. 4:25). Like many actions, lies may have greater consequences, but even the “little white lie” will result in God being displeased with us (Proverbs 6:17) and if not controlled will lead to our eternal separation from God.

Gossip is another form of careless speech that is very damaging to others (Proverbs 16:27-28). It “sows discord” among brethren, which God hates (Prov. 6:19; cf.14), “destroys a neighbor” (Prov.11:9), “flatters with the lips” (Prov.20:19), “reveals secrets” (Prov. 20:19), “separates the best of friends” (Prov. 16:28), and “causes strife” (Prov. 26:20). These are tale-bearers and whisperers, which includes both those who report truth and/or falsehood concerning another person. Many passages condemn evil and malicious speech. Eph. 4:31 (cf. Jas. 4:11; 2 Peter 2:1)

The New Testament expressly condemns the use of filthy language (Col. 3:8). Words that are vulgar ought not to have any place in the Christian’s vocabulary. Some “profanity” is not so much “crude” or “vulgar” as it is irreverent toward God. For example, it is inappropriate to take God’s name in vain (E.g. God, Jesus Christ, Oh Lord, Oh my God, Gosh, Gee, Golly, etc.). If idle speech is condemned, are euphemisms any better than profanity (e.g. Darn, Shoot, Heck, Dadgummit, or any irreverent and thoughtless exclamation)?

The Christian has no use for language that is crude, suggestive or off-color. (Eph. 5:3-4). Filthy and foolish talk is condemned together with the practice of fornication! These phrases, discussions and jokes are not fitting for a Christian, but thanksgiving is, according to the text.

Name-calling is inappropriate if it is venting our anger/frustration in a tone of belittlement. Such malicious name-calling is not referring to calling one a fool who does not believe in God. Such a statement is taken directly from Proverbs 19:1. Yet, Jesus teaches, “call no man, ‘Fool’ (Mat. 5:22). What appears at first glance to be a contradiction is not. Jesus is not referring to the righteous denouncing the wicked (Amos. 4:1; Lk. 3:7; Mt. 23:14ff). He is referring to the use of defaming terms of belittlement like “idiot” or “moron.”

Look for the next article in another issue in which I will examine the proper use of our tongues.

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