Words! They are powerful. God spoke the entire world into existence with words. Words can build up and they can tear down. The question I have for you: “Are your words what God expects to hear”? There are plenty of guidelines and examples in the Bible to remind us of what God expects and expects not to hear from His children. Here are just a few.
Words that Displease God
Words of evil men are often enticing, flattering, hasty, irritating, irreverent, insincere, malicious, proud and vain.
Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
Malachi 3:13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
1 Thessalonians 2:5–6 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
3 John 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Words God Expects to Hear from His Children
The conversation of those that call themselves Christians includes not only the words that they use, but also the way they conduct their life in general. These words and conversation are right, pleasant, appropriate, gracious, inspiring and unforgettable, wise, comforting, glorifying to the Lord, and timely.
3 John 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Psalm 145:11–12 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, And talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Luke 24:30–32 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Ephesians 5:19–21 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Final Thoughts
As Christ-followers, we are called to share the good news of the gospel with all nations. When your life reflects the words and conversation that God expects from you, more people want to have what you have. Put good words into action and know what God expects from you. When you became a child of God old things passed away, all things became new (2 Corinthians 5:17) but the only way you can change old habits are to replace them with new ones. Spend time in His Word daily and your mind will be renewed by the Word (Romans 12:2). That’s a good thing!
Something more for you to read: How Can Christians Be Holy?
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, King James Version
Welcome to What Christians Want To Know! The mission of this site is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians. Look for regular updates including Bible Verses, Bible Stories, Christian Quotes, Christian Answers, and much more. Find out 
