Matthew 26:73
That’s what they said to Peter when he denied Christ. He still had his accent, but not the rest, for a while. The Bible lends much importance to our language. It compares the tongue to a small member with which we can bless the Lord, and that’s good, but with which we can also curse our neighbor, and that’s not so good.
Words of grace. For those who know grace, there are words of grace for edification; that is the goal. The Bible said of Jesus: “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” (John 7:46)
Timely words. There are people who speak without thinking, often to say nothing. The Bible says “How good is a timely word” (Prov. 15:23). The Bible says “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking” (Eph. 5.4) and it’s talking to believers!
Words of thanksgiving that should be numerous. Words that come back to God. We can talk to him. “I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9.2): that is what the psalmist said and certainly what he did.
Let us watch over the door of our lips. How good is a timely word!
—Dominique Rosay