Read: 1 Timothy 5:11-14

Our tongue can be used to bless or say things that are offensive to God and others. With media and technology at our fingertips, there are times when we engage in conversations that are ungodly and not befitting for a Christian. Idleness can lead us to be engaged in slandering, lying or gossiping about others. If you were serving the Lord and using your time wisely, you wouldn’t have time for godless chatter. Examine yourself today and transform your speech.

Jesus said, “I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). It is very serious. For whatever foolish thing we utter knowingly or unknowingly, we have to give an account before God.

Paul advised the church in Ephesus to stay away from foolish talk. Paul wrote, “No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29). “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Eph. 5:4). Paul advised the widows not to go around house to house involving in godless chatter or gossip (1 Tim. 5:13). It is better for a person to be busy in their work than spending time idly in godless talks. Our speech must impart grace to our hearers.

Are we able to reflect Christ in our speech? The Bible says that a person who speaks foolishness would come to ruin (Prov. 10:8). Liars will perish (Prov. 19:9). Gossipers will betray confidence (Prov. 11:13). Therefore, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6).