“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11, NKJV). There is a difference between childish speech and mature speech. There is also a difference between worldly speech and Christ-like speech. How do the words I use and the way I speak reflect my character, priorities, and allegiances and thereby influence others?
A YOUNG CHRISTIAN’S SPEECH
Timothy is first mentioned by name in scripture in Acts 16:1-3 as a disciple in Lystra early AD 50, though presumably included among these brethren a few years earlier (Acts 14:20-22). Over a dozen years later, Paul, in his old age (cf. Philem. 9), writes a letter to Timothy wherein he mentions Timothy’s “youth” (1 Tim. 4:12). If Timothy were in his mid- to late-30s at the time, he would have been in his early- to mid-20s when he first joined Paul’s mission team.
In 1 Timothy 1:2, 18, Paul refers to his younger colleague as téknon (lit. “child”), indicative of Timothy’s comparative youth but also an affectionate affirmation of their close relationship, like a father and son. But with respect to Timothy’s maturity and proven character, Paul readily considers him a “man of God” (1 Tim. 6:11).
While the young evangelist worked with the Christian community at Ephesus, the aged apostle exhorted him, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word [logos - speech], in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Despite his relatively young age, Timothy was no longer speaking, understanding, and thinking as a child but as a mature man of God. His speech and conduct were worthy of emulation by those within his sphere of influence.
Another coworker of Paul’s was instructed to “exhort young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say to you” (Tit. 2:6-8).
IMPORTANCE OF OUR SPEECH
Jesus issued a stern warning about our spoken words: “But I say to you that for every idle [careless] word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37).
Indicative of a mature Christian exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, self-control (Gal. 5:23) is reflected in our speech. The Lord’s brother writes, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (Jas. 1:19-20). Again, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (Jas. 1:26). In fact, James devotes nearly a whole chapter to the weighty importance of bridling the tongue (Jas. 3:1-12).
Inevitably what comes out of the mouth is already in the heart (cf. Mark 7:21-23). It is imperative, therefore, to feed our minds and fill our hearts with that which produces wholesome speech. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8).
The Lord clearly expects us to control our speech. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting [crude/vulgar joking], which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Eph. 5:3-4).
SILENT SPEECH
Sometimes the wisest and most impactful thing to say is nothing at all. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). Prior to Christ’s crucifixion, through much of his unfair trial and undeserved humiliation, torture, and condemnation, he was silent (Matt. 26:63; Acts 8:32). An obvious indicator of Christ-like maturity is exercising restraint and knowing when to hold our tongues.
Speech is more than vocalized words. Social media has provided a platform that enables almost anyone to express his or her views on just about anything. It is unwise and a sure sign of immaturity to react to something by immediately posting a response. Instead, we ought to think, pray, and wait. Is a verbal response actually needed? Will my reaction, whether in words or in silence, demonstrate a Christ-like spirit? “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6).
By implementing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)—we will be much less likely to say things we might later regret and avoid doing more harm than good. “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet. 2:15).
CONCLUSION
Our words, whether spoken, texted, or posted, reflect what is already in our hearts. If we take our Christian faith seriously and are growing and striving to develop maturity in Christ, we will intentionally avoid instigators of corrupt speech and immerse ourselves in that which produces wholesome speech – for HIS glory.
--Kevin L. Moore
*Originally prepared for the King’s Birthday Weekend Christian Camp in Elsdon-Porirua, New Zealand 03 June 2023. Cf. also Prov. 4:24; 8:8; 11:13; 17:27; 18:2, 8, 13, 20-21; 21:23.
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