The Realm: Talking Pretty...

Check out this--

The 10 Laws of Excellent Speech

from "The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Pattern for Teenagers Today" by Jerry L. Ross ((Awesome book, b.t.w, if you're looking for some good summer reading!!!!))

1. Speak Sparingly!

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."~Prov. 10:19

The more you talk, the more likely you will be to sin.

2. Speak Only After Thinking!

"Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him." ~Prov. 29:20
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." ~James 1:19

Most people are afraid of silence. When someone asks a question, they feel obligated to answer quickly. The Bible instructs us to be slow to speak. Ask yourself this question, Is this something I should be talking about? If not, don't answer! Be slow to speak.

3. Speak Honestly!

"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour." ~Eph. 4:25
"He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." ~Prov. 12:17

4. Speak With Grace!

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt." ~Col 4:6

Although we should only speak the truth, not all that is true should be spoken....Never speak an unkind truth.

5. Speak Only Acceptable Words

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." ~Ps. 19:14

Filter every statement through the sieve of God's acceptance. Test

every word against what He would deem correct. This will eliminate crude, vulgar, perverse and even questionable words and phrases.

6. Speak Appropriately!

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." ~Prov. 25:11

An appropriate statement is a work of art. Often we say the right thing at the wrong time.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." ~Eccles. 3:1

A good question to ask yourself before you speak is, What time is it? Humor is a wonderful tool, but it is not always appropriate. It is important not only to check if what you are about to say is right but also if it is the right time to say it.

7. Speak Respectfully!

"Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." ~1 Tim. 5:1-2

Consider carefully the tone in which you address people. Never sound as if you are rebuking someone older than you. If yo disagree with someone in authority, approach him privately and speak to him. This verse also warns us to guard against using suggestive statements or a suggestive tone with members of the opposite sex. Address other young people as you would your brother or sister "with all purity." To do otherwise is to show a lack of respect for them and for God.

8. Never Speak Evil of Another!.

"Speak not evil one of another, brethren." ~James 4:11

"Speak evil of no man." ~Titus 3:2

This goes beyond just saying something that is true but negative. The word "evil" in these verses speaks

to motive. These verses are saying, "Don't purposely say anything designed to defame someone. Do not be a reputation assassin."
The Bible is very clear on this. The people I respect the most, when criticized, never retaliate. Instead, they obey the Bible and overcome evil with good. Never speak evil of another person.

9. Never Praise Yourself!

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." ~Prov. 27:2

Nothing turns people off faster than a man who is a "legend in his own mind." Be of a humble spirit and let God do the exalting.

10. Speak the Gospel Boldly!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." ~Rom. 1:16
When God gives you an opportunity to witness, give it all you've got! Always be ready to share your testimony with someone who doesn't know Jesus Christ. Excellent speech is the hallmark of excellent character. I dare you to yield your tongue to the use of God. In doing so, you will achieve a level of maturity and discipline that will serve you well throughout your life."