August 27
A Time to Speak
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. ––James 3:5-6
As we discussed in a previous reading, sometimes the best thing to do in a situation is give our tongues a rest, especially when we otherwise aren’t sure what to say. In other words, it’s better to pause and think through what we want to say than to blurt something out because we are nervous, anxious, angry, or whatever other emotion we may be feeling.
Think about this for a minute: do you have more regrets about things you said and wish you had not, or things that you did not say that you wish you had? It’s not an easy question to answer, because we all have both. I’d say most guys I know are pretty good about biting their tongue when they need to, but it can be hard to find the right balance.
I also see a lot of God’s men who over-compensate in the direction of not saying something when they should. Such cases often fall into the “Christian Nice Guy” category: those who have received the ungodly message that a Christian man shouldn’t confront and always needs to err on the side of being “nice.” However, there’s a time to speak up, and we need to recognize these times when they arise. Put more bluntly, nice all the time is unhealthy if it means not being honest or speaking up when God calls you to.
One of the most commonly repeated themes in both Testaments when both words and action are required is when injustice occurs. God deplores any situation where we stand by idly and do no act or speak up when someone is being harmed or treated poorly. Sometimes injustice is obvious (e.g., when we witness a crime; when someone is being bullied or harassed), but at other times it can be hard to spot. Here are some examples of when it’s our responsibility to speak up:
To defend the vulnerable: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9).
To share the Gospel: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15).
To correct in love: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1).
To build others up: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29).
Don’t take for granted the power of your words—both to know when not to speak, and when it’s time to use your words to honor God and others.
Father, sometimes it can be difficult to know when I should say something, and when I should stay silent. Help me to discern the difference and to know the proper path forward in every encounter I have today.