A Pure Language

The prophet Zephaniah lived during the reign of Josiah, the last good king of Judah, (2 Chron. 34,35). He warned of the destruction to come upon Jerusalem and he foretold the return from captivity saying: "For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the Lord, To serve Him with one accord," (Zeph. 3:9). This has application not only to those Jews who returned from Babylon, but also to the days of Christ and the Christian dispensation, as all the prophets have foretold, (Acts 3:24). This phrase: "a pure language" should describe all true Christians. For we are purchased by the blood of Christ and sanctified by His word, (Acts 20:28; Jn. 17:17). Our souls have been cleansed and purified through the obedience of the truth, (1 Pet. 1:22) and this purity should be evident in our lives as well as in our speech. "I said, 'I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle...'" (Ps. 39:1). The psalmist understood the need for self control, the need for a pure language. But what is a pure language? A pure language...

Is Free From Corruption

Corrupt speech is unbecoming to anyone, especially one professing to be a Christian. As Paul wrote: "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers," (Eph. 4:29). Corrupt in a physical sense means rotten, bad, or decayed. In a moral sense it means impure or evil. With regards to our speech several observations are in order. The following should be excluded from our speech.

1. Profanity. A child of God must refrain from using foul language, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Profane speech reveals a profane heart. It likewise reflects a lack of intelligence because the profanity is often a replacement for something intelligent to say.
2. Vain speech. "In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty," (Pr. 14:23). We should be careful not to talk just to be talking. For in so doing we tend to say what we don't mean and to promise that which we don't intend to do. "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise," (Pr. 10:19).
3. Derogatory remarks. Some people "talk down" to others, like these are less than them in some way. I avoid those people whenever I can because it is irritating to hear them. But the truth is that this speech reveals their own insecurity. The Christian realizes that all are equal in the sight of God, and all stand in need of the saving grace of God, (Gal. 3:28; Tit 2:11). This realization cultivates humility and a humble person does not speak to others in such a way.
4. Negative, discouraging, or critical words. Our words should be used for edification, but so often we can be discouraging. When someone is doing something, another should not take it upon himself to tell him how it should be done, or to point out what has been done wrong. A little girl was coloring a picture and when she finished she brought it to her father. The father looked at the picture, the sky is green, the grass is blue, and the trees are purple. What he says to her is vital. A good father would tell her how wonderful she was and express his gratitude for the lovely picture which he would prominently display. She would be encouraged and feel loved. A bonehead would point out the faults and leave her disheartened. Don't be a bonehead!! Put away from you such negative energy.

The Christian must be gracious in his speech. His language is to be pure and free from corruption. His words should be chosen carefully, with thought given as to how they might affect those who hear them. But how do we do this? How can I develop a pure language as God desires? A pure language...

Stems From A Pure Heart

The wise Solomon gave this sage advice many years ago: "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life," (Pr. 4:23). All that we say and all that we do are the direct result of how we think. It is impossible to be a profane, negative, judgmental thinker and speak kind, encouraging, and peaceful words. For our words proceed from our heart and our words reveal our character, (Matt. 12:33-37). To have a pure language, one must have a pure heart. Our hearts can be sanctified and cleansed through "...the washing of water by the word," (Eph. 5:26). God wants us to be positive thinkers, instead of negative. For negative thinking denies faith, and discourages ourselves and others. He tells us to focus on things that are positive. The list includes things that are: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and worthy of praise, (Phil. 4:8). If we will change our thinking, God will change our lives!Some points to consider:

1. Think before you speak. Then you will not have to think, "Man, I wished I hadn't said that!
2. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything.
3. Don't complain to yourself or others. It only makes things worse, (Ps. 77:3; Phil 2:14). "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles," (Pr. 21:23).