In our last visits we saw in our study of Proverbs that discernment and the discipline to be slow to speak are essential to Christ-like communication skills. Why is that? It puts a check on our natural tendency to distort facts if in our minds telling the truth will either hurt someone else or us. We forget that truthfulness is Christ-like.
Proverbs16:13 says “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.” Proverbs 23:15-16 explains the impact on a father when his son speaks the truth. “My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.”
More important, there’s a greater person listening as we speak. Proverbs 12:22 declares, “The Lord delights in men who are truthful.” Jesus Christ taught us in John 8:32 & 36, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Proverbs 14:25 agrees: “A truthful witness saves lives.” Speaking truthfully reflects something about the character of Christ.
Your comment might be a link in the chain of impact on a person. When you speak truthfully you establish a platform for sharing truth found in Christ. You’ll also find others will turn to you when they need insight in a time of need. Proverbs 12:19 concludes, “Truthful lips endure forever.”
