That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Ephesians 4:22

“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” — Dorothy Nevil

This week we are looking at I Timothy 4:12 and the advice that Paul gave to Timothy to be a good example to others. Today we will consider the word “conversation.”

I am sure many of you have heard the Jewish story of the man who had spread untrue gossip and went to the Rabbi seeking forgiveness. The Rabbi told him to open a pillow and let the feathers fly in the wind, then to go and gather them up again. This was impossible for him to do, thus illustrating how the words we say wound others and cannot be taken back.

Let us look at some scriptures that will help us to make sure our conversation is an example to others:

Matthew 15:11 “that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”

Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

James 3:13 “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

I Peter 2:12 “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Matthew 5:37 “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”

James in his writing tells us the tongue is the hardest part of our body to control. So often we speak quickly without thinking how our words are going to hurt someone else or cause them to question our love for Jesus. But when we fully submit our lives to the Holy Spirit He will guide and direct even the words we speak.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know our hearts and our desire to be an example to others by our words and conversation. We so often fail and speak without waiting for your guidance. Help us to listen to your voice and be obedient to it.