Sound speech

Likewise, exhort the 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 of you. - Titus 2:6-8

Our speech is one of the clearest indicators of our character. Our speech is one thing that sticks in people’s memories. We can’t take back our words. Their impact is permanent. Speech can ruin our testimonies because once we have said them they are there for everyone to remember. In this age where literally everything we say is recorded for posterity through social media and blogs and such it it even harder to correct our uncontrolled tongues. 

Speech is the easiest thing for people to condemn. It is the easiest way to give people an excuse to say evil about us. James writes about of the tongue when he says that it is an ‘unruly evil’ and about how it causes ‘great fires’ and how it ‘cannot be tamed.’ Paul writes about how our words should always be ‘full of grace and seasoned with salt.’ Paul wrote to Timothy, another young church planter that he should, be an example with his lifestyle and with his words so that no one could despise him.’ 

Sound speech is vital. May we learn to watch what we say so that our own sound speech so that we give one occasion to speak evil of us.