The Right Words

                                      "No foul language is to come from your mouth,
                                       but only what is good for building up someone
                                       in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear."
                                                                                        Ephesians 4:29

          We Christians know that we should watch what we say and how we say it,
     but sometimes we speak without thinking, or let a word slip that we shouldn't.
          (I need to remember this while watching LSU or the Saints playing football).
         
                                   "Let your conversation be always full of grace,
                                      seasoned with salt, so that you may know how
                                      to answer everyone."
                                                                                        Colossians 4:6                                       
                                                                                        
          Our conversation should be wholesome.

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                                    "When words are many, sin is not absent,
                                      but he who holds his tongue is wise."
                                                                                        Proverbs 10:19

          Sometimes it's better to say nothing than to say too much.

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                                   "Gold there is, and rubles in abundance,
                                     but lips that speak knowledge are a rare
                                     jewel."
                                                                                      Proverbs 20:15

          Sharing the truth of God with others pleases Him.

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                                    "A gossip betrays confidence;
                                     so avoid a man who talks too much."
                                                                                       Proverbs 20:19

          Gossiping may be hard to resist, but it can be hurtful to the gossiper and the
     one being gossiped about.

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                                   "He who guards his mouth and his tongue
                                    keeps himself from calamity."
                                                                                        Proverbs 21:23

          The wrong words can be embarrassing and damaging to the speaker.

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                                    "The lips of the righteous nourish many,
                                      but fools die for lack of judgment."
                                                                                        Proverbs 10:21

          The truth of the gospel builds up the faith of those who will listen,
     but it is foolishness to those who won't.

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                                     "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.  It corrupts the whole person, sets the
                                      whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set
                                      on fire by hell.
                                     "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,
                                       and with it we curse men, who have been made
                                       in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come
                                       praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be."
                                                                                           James 3:5-6; 9-10

          God is not pleased if we praise Him on Sunday, but curse men during the week.

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                                     "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk
                                      or coarse joking, which are out of place,
                                      but rather thanksgiving.
                                     "For of this you can be sure:  No immoral,
                                      impure, or greedy person -- such a man is
                                      an idolater -- has any inheritance in the
                                      kingdom of Christ and of God."
                                                                                          Ephesians 5:4-5

          Dirty jokes and coarse language are not signs of a regenerate person.
    Expressing our thankfulness for what we have is what God desires.