Language Usage

In all areas of life, there is to be a difference between the world and the church. This is also true in the area of language. God’s people are to be a different and a separate people in matters pertaining to God’s law. Their love for God and others is to be reflected in their careful use of language.

Our language usage is very important for the following five reasons:

1. It is a precious gift from God

2. It reflects our thoughts and personhood

3. It influences others

4. It is a power for good or evil

5. It makes us accountable

All of life is religious. Therefore our talk — at home, school, church, work, or recreation — is to reflect a difference from worldly language usage as reflected in the following chart:

CONTRAST IN LANGUAGE USAGE

Biblical Worldly

1. Careful Careless

2. Polite Disrespectful

3. Noble Degrading

4. Pure Obscene

5. Holy Cursing

6. Reverent Profane

Imagine the embarrassment of Annette, a new girl in school, after she dropped her lunch tray in a busy school lunchroom. While some of the less thoughtful students laughed loudly and called attention to her, Susan quietly slipped from her seat and knelt beside the flustered girl. As she helped Annette pick up her scattered lunch, Susan calmly said, “That’s okay, Annette. Don’t worry! I did the same thing last year. Would you care to join me at our table?” How comforting fitting, polite, and thoughtful words can be!

Not only are we to use proper language ourselves, but we are also called to correct those who use God’s Name in vain. The best way to do this will vary with each situation or individual. The following guidelines can be helpful:

1. Establish a strong moral basis — If you work with others and they come to know you as a person who consistently lives according to the moral standards you promote, your influence will be greater when you speak than if the reverse is true.

2. Pray for the necessary wisdom and right opportunity — Daily prayer regarding this specific matter will help you to recognize a good opportunity when it arises, and you need the Lord to grant you “the right words at the right time.”

3.Try to speak as privately as possible — Do not correct one individual in front of others when avoidable. At times, group or public profanity must be dealt with publicly or immediately. As far as possible, however, seek to employ the principles of Matthew 18:15-17.

4. Speak the truth in love — Do not be afraid to speak against sin and for God’s truth. Seek grace to fear God more than man. Do not cater to false shame. Speak the truth clearly, but speak the truth in love. Avoid all condescending, self-righteous, “better-than-you” types of words, phrases, and mannerisms. Try to convey genuine love, concern, and respect. Speak with carefulness, tact, and empathy. Be brief, clear, and polite. The use of an example is often helpful.

5. Follow your conversation with prayer — You need God’s enabling grace to speak, and the person spoken to needs God’s applying grace for your words to be effectual to him or her.

Let each of us examine our daily language. Is it more biblical or worldly?

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