Whenever in a conversation, Christians should conduct themselves with charity, compassion, humility, and integrity, and avoid all arrogance, condescension, and disparagement. It is indeed unchristian to engage in banter and vitriol. After all, the Bible tells us:
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8 KJV)
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6 KJV)
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29 KJV)
So, how should a conversation be? If you can, take some time out of your day to read the book Patchwork: Conversation Between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack.
In Patchwork, we read how some godly women of Bamberg, South Carolina bonded over quilting and used the opportunity of conversation to supply a safe space for families to meet, vent about their challenges, and work toward solutions, as well as work on their quilting. These prayerful God-centered gatherings, as the author called it, were also a way to teach younger women how to deal with their challenges and choose prudent practices and to offer them the company, support, prayers, and wisdom of a solid support system.
Patchwork encourages to find a way to initiate conversations as a way to support learning and create bridges between family members, friends, colleagues, etc., as well as to empower one another. So, to walk into good company and leave the conversation inspired and empowered, we should positively interact with others at home, work, church, anywhere. We should watch our words to ensure great communication.
The Bible exhorts us to choose our words carefully. The words we speak matter because they reflect the true condition of our hearts and reveal our inner dialogue, the inner self. Does not the Bible tells us…?
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2 KJV)
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 KJV)
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (Matthew 15:11 KJV)
The Bible admonishes us to conduct ourselves when talking to other people.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. (Proverbs 17:2 KJV)
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23 KJV)
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 KJV)
The Bible also tells us to look out for not only our own interests but also the interest of others. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3 KJV)
One way to watch our words is by simply remaining silent and listening to others. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19 KJV)
We are also called to build others up, as exhorted by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29 KJV.
We are also called to avoid profanity and coarse language. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4 KJV).
The Bible also warns us of the consequences of those who do not watch their language:
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3 KJV)
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV)
Above all, the Bible exhorts us to tell the truth at all times:
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exodus 20:16 KJV)
Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. (Exodus 23:1 KJV)
Just because the Bible tells us to watch our words when conversing with others does not mean we could not open up or share what is on our hearts and mind. For in the same way when we give, we receive back. When we watch our words while speaking to other people, they get to know us better. We should strive to be better talkers.
Before you initiate a conversation, let this be your prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 KJV)
The Damsel’s Files 