Bible Studies

The Way To Talk

by Olawale Ogunsola
06/16/23
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Communication is mandatory among living things because it defines and sustains relationships. When communication breaks down, any relationship is on the way to grinding to a halt.
Do you know that the way a matter is presented has to do with what the results will be? That is the truth. Not only that, certain words ought not to come out of the mouth of certain people. Certain persons are exempted from saying certain things because it belittles their status.

The sad aspect of it is that many people are not in a place where the right person could caution them. Although, many of those who are fortunate enough to have access to someone who can correct them will not cooperate or take to correction. There are cases where a man was corrected which led to a serious feud.

A king in the land of Israel when Samaria was the capital, King Ahab, was one such lucky man who was corrected. He reigned over ten tribes of Israel while his friend, King Jehosaphat, was over two tribes with Jerusalem as the capital.

When they were planning to go to a battle at Ramothglead, they chose to inquire from the Lord but the prophecies of four hundred Prophets did not portray the heart of the Lord and King Jehosaphat requested another Prophet who could declare the heart of God to them whether or not they could go to the battlefield.

The response of King Ahab was,
[7]The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.”Jehoshaphat replied, “That’s not the way a king should talk! Let’s hear what he has to say.” 2 Chronicles 18.

King Jehosaphat of Judah sharply rebuked his friend for saying the wrong thing.

He wondered how a king should say he did not love someone who will tell him the truth. As an upright man, he knew that knowing the heart of the Lord will reveal how things would go. He thought he shared the same heart with the King of Israel but the reverse was the case.

He went to the battlefield to his destruction.

My beloved reader, do you say things that you ought not to say? Are you in control of your tongue? Do you take it when you are corrected or do you believe that you are free to say anything to or about anyone? You need to watch it!

Do you have someone who can boldly tell you that "You are saying what you ought not to say"? When they tell you, are you happy to welcome their sharp rebuke? Or do you see him as an enemy? You don't have to! He only tells you the truth.

No wonder then that the Scriptures exhort every Believer in Christ thus, Colossians 4
[6]"Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."

My beloved reader, do you obey this wise counsel? It is of great value and to your advantage.
What can you do to rescue yourself? Report your mouth as the Psalmist did. He said,
[3]"Take control of what I say, O  Lord,
    and guard my lips." Psalms 141.
Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.
Note; Scriptures quoted are from the New Living Translation, NLT, of the Holy Bible.