What should we say to people in conversation? There is no end to words (Ecclesiastes 6:11), and few seem hesitant to share their opinions on any matter. We all know at least a little about a vast range of topics. Very few know enough about a topic to speak with any authority on it at all, although most will proclaim authority despite their ignorance. That’s all of us, isn’t it?
We love to talk, and we long to be seen as an authoritative voice. It feeds our egos and bolsters our self-worth. That should be our first clue about the dangers of pontification. Anything that builds us up inside is pride in disguise. Since God creates each of us in His image, there is nothing any human could say or do to make us more honored or valuable than we already are.
When weighing our words, then, what should we say? Only what comes from the mouth of God, through His Spirit, written on the pages of His Word, is worth saying. Almost anything else we have to say will be folly or idle words, and Scripture warns against both (Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 12:36). True wisdom comes only from God. If you want to avoid folly, speak God’s Word. We find truth in God alone (John 17:15-20), and salvation comes through Christ alone (Acts 4:11-12). If you want to speak wisdom, truth, and hope, speak the words of God. How foolish to think we can add anything to what God has already spoken.
God spoke through His Holy Spirit into the hearts of a few chosen men throughout history to record His inspired Word for our training, encouragement, and admonition (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21). He reveals Himself to us in that Word, and we should always seek to learn more about Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus said that David wrote his Psalms under the Holy Spirit’s direction (Mark 12:36). The apostle John used the same words to explain how the book of Revelation came to him (Revelation 1:10–11). There was a time when God spoke through the Spirit and into the hearts of men to create the Bible we now have.
God still speaks to those who confess Him as Lord, but these days He speaks through His written Word. He speaks peace, comfort, hope, and wisdom in alignment with His Word and by pointing us to His Word. There is no need for new revelation, nor is it given, because the Lord Himself instructed no one to add or remove from His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19). Unless we have a direct revelation from God (and we don’t!), we do well to speak only what the Spirit reveals in Scripture. All other words are useless, and God will hold us accountable for them (Matthew 12:36).
What should we say when speaking to others? We should tell them about Jesus. Tell them anything that is pure, good, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Our aim should always be to build up and not tear down (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). If someone asks you for advice, quote Proverbs. If they are hurting, speak to them about the love of God. Our opinions are always worth what someone pays for them. God’s opinion is not only priceless, it is life-giving. May your words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:2), and may they always be in alignment with God’s Word. Practice that and you will never be at a loss for words.