Speaking Like a Godly Woman

     In Matthew 12:34 we read “…For the mouth speaks that which fills the heart.” Our words reveal our character. What is in our hearts will soon be expressed by our lips.


     Unkind words, gossip, lies, flattery, boasting, anger, slander, craftiness, shouting and cursing are all to be put away because we are now in Christ. “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the Head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Our instruction as to speaking in a godly manner is in Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Even apology cannot erase the destructive influence of unwholesome words.


     At the ladies Bible study a few weeks ago, one sister told us she was riding in the car with her daughter who was driving. They were suddenly cut off by another driver almost causing an accident. She said she then heard a very quick outpouring of expletives and profanity proceeds from her daughter’s mouth. She could not believe the intensity or the choice of words. Her reaction was one of shock, disbelief, and embarrassment so that she couldn’t say anything for a moment. What should we speak in similar situations? We may be at the apartment potluck, or work, or with the family and want to respond in a godly manner. We can speak the truth in love that we are not comfortable when our Savior’s name is spoken so disrespectfully. Let’s not be holier-than-thou but have the courage to speak out in love, and remember that it may turn into an opportunity to witness for Christ.


     Then we come to the OMG expression that has pervaded our language as a response to anything and everything by everyone, of any walk of life, any religion, believer and unbeliever. Any situation or circumstance will bring this quick response, and it is unknown exactly what the speaker means when he says it so loosely. We as godly women can choose not to use this expression which takes the name of God in vain. The Psalmist said (17:3) “I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”


     Most trouble is caused by what we say: wrecked homes, broken friendships divided churches. Therefore, it is imperative that we have a clean heart, so that the words will be wholesome reflecting God’s light. Man must depend upon God to control his thoughts and their expression. So then Philippians 4:8 says “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Keep our hearts and minds clean thinking on these things, so our words may reflect the beauty of Christ and be pleasing to Him. With our tongue we can pray, praise Him, share and teach the Word.


     “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

 Joy Ann Kia