Sense and Sensibility: Speech

Words are powerful--for good or evil, to build up or to tear down, to comfort or to criticize. So it is important that our speech is sensible.

The Bible has much to say about our speech. Luke 6:45 reminds us that our mouths speak from that which fills our hearts. So this is not only a tongue issue, it’s a heart issue. It’s definitely an area where God wants us to demonstrate self-control, to be sensible.

Being sensible in our speech is also what’s best for us.
Proverbs 21:23: He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.

What does sensible speech look like, or should we say sound like?

Ephesians 4:29: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

This verse would describe the pattern of speech for our woman of sense. Certainly she wouldn’t display perfection in this area, but this would characterize her overall manner of speaking.

She would be diligent to guard her tongue.
She would be careful about the timing of her speech.
She would seek to build others up with her words.
She would vigilantly avoid gossip, either giving it or receiving it.

Our woman of sensibility has a favorite verse regarding the tongue as well.
James 3:8: No one can tame the tongue...
So she doesn’t even try; her words flow freely. No one needs to wonder about her emotions; her words make them very clear. She eagerly enjoys the dainty morsels of gossips; she just can’t help herself.

Many verses in Proverbs contrast two opposing images; we could label them sense and sensibility.
Proverbs 10:19: When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable(sensibility), but he who restrains his lips is wise (sense).
Proverbs 12:18: There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of the sword (sensibility), but the tongue of the wise brings healing (sense).
Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath (sense), but a harsh word stirs up anger (sensibility).
Proverbs 15:28: The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer (sense), but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things (sensibility).

God hears our words before we even say them, so let’s commit to speak in a way that will honor Him. We want to speak sensibly. What verse encourages you to speak sensibly? Please share it in a comment.