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Speaking

/SPEEK-ing/

Summary

The use of the tongue for communication—capable of great blessing or great harm, requiring wisdom and restraint.

☩The Power of Words

'Death and life are in the power of the tongue.' The tongue is a small member but boasts great things—like a fire, it can set ablaze the whole course of life. 'The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.' Yet from the same mouth can come blessing and cursing.

Key verses:Proverbs 18:21James 3:5-10Proverbs 15:4Proverbs 12:18

☩Evil Speaking

Scripture condemns various forms of sinful speech: talebearing, slander, false accusation, flattery, and blasphemy. 'Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother.' Evil words proceed from an evil heart. The tongue 'is set on fire of hell' and defiles the whole body.

Key verses:Psalm 10:7-8Psalm 12:3-4Psalm 52:2-4Psalm 64:2-5Proverbs 4:24Proverbs 6:16-19Proverbs 10:19, 31-32Proverbs 12:13, 17-19

☩Wise Speaking

'A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.' The wise speak what is profitable, healing, and edifying. 'Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.' Counsel to speak little: 'In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.'

Key verses:Proverbs 25:11Proverbs 15:1-2, 23Proverbs 16:23-24Colossians 4:6Proverbs 10:19Ecclesiastes 5:2-3

Related Verses734 mentions

Proverbs· 76 verses

2:124:246:136:166:19

Psalms· 65 verses

2:55:610:710:812:2

Jeremiah· 49 verses

1:61:71:175:55:14

Job· 38 verses

1:161:171:182:104:2

See Also

1/2
Blasphemy
Blasphemy
Christ's Charge to Peter (Matthew 16: 18-19, John 21: 15-17)
Busybody
The Death of Ananias (Acts 5: 1-5) title QS:P1476,en:"The Death of Ananias (Acts 5: 1-5) "
Falsehood
Flattery
Flattery

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  3. 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  4. 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  5. 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  6. 6.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  7. 7.John McClintock and James Strong, "Speaking," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).