What should characterize our communications, God’s Word on our words

If we want to reflect our holy God in all our communications, the Lord has given us very clear guidelines on how to do that. Below are collections of verses, both the positive words that should characterize our communications and then negative words that we should avoid.

Instead of listening to the often depressingly ugly discourse that fills much of the media today, take a break and spend some time to wash your mind with these verses today and God's Word always.

We want to be good citizens, we want to keep up on what is happening so we pray and participate in making a more just and godly world, but to do that in truth, we must constantly fill our hearts and minds with God's words—the only eternal voice that ultimately matters.

Verses on positive words, on what should characterize our communications

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
(Col. 4:6)

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
(Prov. 10:11)

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Prov. 12: 18)

 The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
(Prov. 13: 14 NLT)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
(Prov. 15: 1)

 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Prov. 16:24)

The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.
(Isa. 50:4)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
(Eph. 4:15 KVJ)

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
(Eph. 4:25 )

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
(Eph. 4:29)

 Verses on negative words, on what should not characterize our communications

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
(James 1:26)

 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.
(2 Tim. 2:16 NLT)

Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
(Prov. 26:18-19)

Would a wise man answer with empty notions or fill his belly with the hot east wind?
(Job 15:2)

Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?
(Ecc. 5:6)

Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness-and the fool multiplies words.
(Ecc. 10:12-14)

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
(Eph. 4:25, KJV)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
(Eph. 4:31)

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
(Eph. 5:4)

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*****This excerpt is from Devotions for Church Communicators. CLICK HERE for a copy of the book. CLICK HERE to sign up for our newsletter to receive notices of the release of new editions and other resources to make you a more effective church communicator.