So far this month we’ve considered several helpful steps in toning down the rhetoric.  To these we add another: Keep it under control.

Once you’re committed to honesty, truthfulness, and edifying, make sure your words are not deadly.  Keep it under control.  To the Ephesians, Paul wrote, “Be angry but do not sin.” (4:26).  There is a “green light” here for anger.  However, it is to be kept under control so that it doesn’t lead to sin.  Most of us know in our conscience when anger (whether righteous or not) has become sin.  Proverbs 18:14 tells us why it’s important not to have deadly words: “The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but a broken spirit who can bear?”  Verse 19 of the same chapter shows why it’s important: “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.”

Angry words said in the spur of the moment are deadly weapons.  When we attack the person rather than the problem, we move into deadly areas. When we make things personal rather than dealing with the wrong situation or circumstance, we’re treading on thin ice.   When we reject rather than reprove, it’s harmful.  So make sure your weapons (words) don’t lead to sin.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word…therefore let your words be few.”  Proverbs 15:1 reminds us: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

By all means, be spirited and passionate in your conversations and debates, but think before you speak, speak the truth, and by God’s grace keep it all under control!  You’ll be amazed at how this helps in toning down the rhetoric.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).