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Hostility, quarrel, acrimony, threats, slander, and hurtful actions have wrecked many a church; and such stories have saddened us deeply. If we do not guard ourselves against sin and self-promoting ways, our congregation will be wrecked with dissension. Today, I would like to share with you, Scripture’s counsel on guarding ourselves against disunity and division. Let us also take heed to pray that “there be no divisions among [us]; but that [we] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). 

Disharmony and disunity have existed in the church since New Testament times. The church in Corinth, for one, was most disreputable for its quarrels. 

Why Do People Quarrel?

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Quarrels have long been part of human society. The source of all fightings is man’s sinful heart. Man’s depraved, egoistic nature is the root of all discord and dispute. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). Man is predisposed to his personal desires and whims. Unless believers “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication” (Colossians 3:8), they would also be tempted to live for self-interest and self-glory, resulting in bitterness and acrimonious conduct. When two or more people are determined to pursue their own personal agendas, they will soon begin to fight.

Church and Quarrels

Sadly, uncharitable contentions do occur in the church. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it” (1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. 1:11) – the reason being that “ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). Here, Paul is not saying that believers were in a totally carnal state, but that the Corinthians had been behaving in a carnal or fleshly manner. When believers do not walk in the Spirit, they succumb to the impulses of the flesh. This is why believers are reminded: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

It is totally out of character for Christians to engage in quarrels and divisions within the church. It undermines the church’s testimony and effectiveness in the world. It gives an occasion for the devil and the world to scorn the church. It grieves the Lord; it discourages and demoralises His people. In Galatians 5:15, Christians are admonished: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Quarrels fracture fellowship, rob Christians of their joy, weaken their effectiveness and dishonour the Lord. What a high price to pay for an ego trip!

Church and Unity

God has forbidden quarrels in the church. Instead, He encourages unity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul admonished the feuding Corinthians: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

The first need of the Corinthian church was harmony among its people. It is also the need of many churches today. Note that this unity comes with proper judgment, being of “the same mind and … the same judgment”. Anything less is not true spiritual unity. Hypocritical unity that tolerates doctrinal errors and unholy living is not what is taught here. We are not simply to be in unity indiscriminately and avoid all conflicts, though people pursue ungodly doctrines and unscriptural living.

When congregants differ in doctrine or strongly disagree with the church leadership and policies, they cannot contribute to the spiritual unity of the church nor serve effectively. Of course, believers are not “carbon copies” of each other. They differ in disposition, temperament, skill and giftedness, but they should be of the same mind in Christian doctrine and living.

If any kind of difference or dispute occurs, it must be resolved according to the Scriptures. Church leaders, who are men of knowledge and spiritual maturity, must make it a point to prayerfully attend to those issues, and advise the church what “seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to [them]” (Acts 15:28). No arbitrary ruling should be made, but the Board of Elders must make their decision unanimously, and in accordance with God’s Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their godly counsel must then be humbly sought and obeyed, for Scripture commands believers to “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful believers then must be in complete harmony with their leaders to obey God’s will. When elders are one in the Spirit, the congregation should submit to the directions given to them by the elders.

Such unity would require much effort and prayer. But it is God’s way for His church to enjoy the sweet blessings of unity, as Paul said to the Philippians, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Let us remember the psalmist’s praise of brotherly unity – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Dear Gethsemaneans, let us always endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6), and make Paul’s prayer for the Roman church ours: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7).

Church “Without Murmurings and Disputings”

Philippians 2:14 exhorts, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings”. We are dissuaded from engaging in two evils, namely murmuring and disputing. Interestingly, the apostle is concerned that some may engage in spiritual activities with murmuring and disputing. In other words, they practise religion without sincerity and joy. When God-given duties are done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be unacceptable. So, all Christians must guard themselves against such evil conduct. Both of those sins must be abhorred and avoided if our services are to be effective and helpful.

Some murmur against God and His servants, like the Israelites in the wilderness when experiencing a time of scarcity. In Numbers 11, we read about them: “And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (vv. 4-6; cf. Exodus 15:24; 16:7-9).

Others murmur because they are discontented with and envious of the godly men and women whom God uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41; Mark 14:5). There are also some others who murmur because of their unbelief and their bigoted desire to spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2; Jude 16).

The spirit of murmuring is perilous. The Word of God cautions us, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). Murmuring is often the result of envy, discontentment, bitterness, pride and unbelief. It results in many evil deeds, such as gossip, backbiting, slander, usurping of authority, defiance, sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man, but also with God! So, serve the Lord without any murmur or dispute.

As God’s people, our lives must be dedicated to His glory. We are chosen and saved, “that we should be to the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:12a). We are to yield ourselves to be instruments of His honour, glory and praise. 

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20). Christians’ bodies are God’s temple, and a temple is for worship. All things done in the temple are unto the glory of God. Our bodies, therefore, are only for the purpose of God’s glory and honour. 

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Even in the most mundane routines of life, like ordinary eating and drinking, we must seek to honour and glorify our God. His glory is to be our life’s commitment. It is the purpose of our whole life, which now belongs to the Lord because we have been “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20; cf. 7:23). Not only when we eat or drink, but in whatever we do, we should do all to the glory of God. 

The first question and answer in The Shorter Catechism are: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” The most honourable and commendable thing a Christian can do is to be totally absorbed in doing all things in life for His glory. That is the perspective of the true worshipper, the one who truly glorifies God. 

It is to encourage and help us to glorify Him that God gave us His promises - “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Cor. 1:20). All the great and precious promises are given so that we may be stirred in our hearts to live for His glory. As a church and as individuals, let us remember: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21). 

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A Thanksgiving Note from Pr Engida Tefera

Dear friends in the Lord,

By God’s will, I have returned to my family and church in peace on Wednesday morning (14 Jun 2023), after spending time in Singapore and Indonesia for the church camp of Gethsemane BPC, Singapore. May God bless you for the love you have shown me while I was with you.

I was very happy during my time in Indonesia hearing the Word of God being expounded by different preachers, especially the messages under the topic, “Be Spiritually-Minded”. Our pastor’s lessons were touching and alarming to many of us. The fifteen points he shared with us from the Scriptures are so wonderful and helpful for our spiritual growth. I also decided that I would share the blessings I received through those messages with our church members in a series of sermons during our Sunday worship services. Indeed, the recent camp was a wonderful church gathering. May God bless all who shared the Word. 

I also want to thank Pastor Koshy and his family, who welcomed and hosted me in their house, and treated me as their brother. May God bless them. Again, I thank all of you who have shown me your love in different ways. 

Finally, I thank the Lord for helping me to share His Word with you. All glory be to the Lord!

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9th Anniversary Thanksgiving of Gethsemane BPC, Pangasinan

(A brief report compiled from the letters of Pastor Donald dela Cruz)

I praise the Lord for enabling and sustaining the mission church in Pangasinan for the past 9 years. We celebrated our 9th Anniversary Thanksgiving last Lord’s Day with a simple get-together. We ordered catered lunch and shared the meal in the worship hall. The rain was pouring in the morning, but stopped during lunchtime. Praise the Lord for enabling us to have fellowship!

Please view a video clip of the anniversary occasion in the link below. The video shows God’s faithfulness, as testified by the recent events in the mission station. We showed the video to the congregation last Lord’s Day. The video was prepared by Bro Jumar and his wife, Sis Olive. I praise the Lord for enabling them to produce this video clip: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TTsWgaVMsa4GQihgYWM7EwqqXNlRfldp/view?usp=drive_link

I praise the Lord for enabling my nephew to graduate from senior high school. My mom came from Negros to attend his graduation. We also attended his graduation ceremony yesterday to show our support. We have been helping my nephew in his studies here in Pangasinan for the last two years. His parents can hardly support his studies, and I praise the Lord for enabling my family to help them. He will be going to Manila to attend college, and will stay in my younger brother’s home … 

 Meanwhile, I praise the Lord for helping me and my family prepare for ministering God’s Word in Melbourne. I will preach in the Youth Camp of Bethel BP Church. We will be leaving on June 29, and will return on July 12. 

As we begin a new year today, I would like to exhort all of you to heed our Saviour’s solemn counsel – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

What is your highest goal this new year? Let it be what our Lord expects us to pursue all the days of our lives on earth. His will for us is to seek His kingdom and righteousness as our first and foremost passion. Anything that impedes this goal must be rejected utterly. 

We are exhorted here in Matthew 6:33 by the Lord Jesus Christ, that we should make God’s kingdom and His righteousness our primary object of attention. We must be deliberate in giving preference to spiritual matters over worldly matters. Nothing should be allowed to take precedence over our commitment to seek spiritual and moral excellence. We must exert great care and diligence to live a consecrated life to God. That must be our chief business on earth. Our hearts, minds and bodies must be wholly dedicated to fulfilling our spiritual duties, both in public and in private.

Our preoccupation should be God’s reign and righteous will concerning us, rather than the material provisions for our daily lives. We should be eagerly praying for, and dedicating ourselves to His kingly pleasure and purposes. Let us not be like those who strive to be religious for material gain. They appear to be very prayerful and devout, but the pre-eminent things in their lives do not tally with what they appear to do, but rather with the motive of their hearts – which is material gain. When piety is expressed for temporal advantage, it is not the kingdom of God that is first sought after, but material gain. Therefore, they seek first worldly advantages.

Let not our hearts be deceived into making spiritual matters subservient to earthly matters. Let us not seek God and His kingdom to become wealthier and healthier. We must let all our pursuits in life be subservient to our desire for God, His kingdom and righteousness. Whatever our engagements in life are, we must remember that we have a higher goal. And in our relationships with people, we should never forget that we have a greater commitment to God.

We are specifically instructed by our Lord to seek first “the kingdom of God”. What is the kingdom of God? It is to have Him reign over our hearts. His will must be our highest concern. Our prayer should always be: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). It is also to serve Him in His kingdom. The Lord exercises His authority and will today through His church. So, we must serve the Lord in His church to exalt His greatness. We must give ourselves to the extension of His kingdom through the preaching of the Gospel. We must also live in obedience to His Word to promote His righteousness. Let us also look forward to His coming as King of kings. If these are our chief concerns of life, the Lord promises to take care of all our needs.

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GYF Retreat 2022 Report

by Cornelius Koshy

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24). Challenging each youth to be obedient, resilient and exuberant to do God’s will despite discouraging and distressing situations, was the main thrust of the 5 theme messages. 

The theme of this year’s youth retreat was “Laying a Firm Foundation”. We thank God for enabling Pastor and Pr Cornelius to exhort the participants with biblical attributes and practical advice, so that they may build upon the foundational doctrines and “go on unto perfection” (Heb 6:1). Coupled with two workshops on “BGR” and “Aspirations” conducted by Pastor, the participants had a total of seven sessions of focused study of God’s Word and Q&A. 

Just as we enjoyed the experience of feeding the farm animals like horses, cows, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, chickens, etc., we were all also delighted with the spiritual feeding received in the camp! This ministry of the Word was suitably complemented with warm fellowship with one another, especially with new friends who joined our retreat. This year, we had guests from Calvary Pandan, Calvary Kuching, and Bethel BP Churches. Needless to say, our youths in Gethsemane were delighted to make some new friends! Most notably, we were thankful to God for the opportunity to bring six youths from Kuching to join us for this year’s retreat. They are the children of the Teo and Chung families from Calvary Kuching: Daniel, Samuel and Gabriel (Teo), as well as Abigail, Nathanael and Dominic (Chung). We thank God for His blessings of provision and protection upon each participant!

A pair of toe-socks – specially printed in collaboration with TGCM Print – was given to each participant. When worn, the letters on each toe formed the key word of this year’s theme: “FOUNDATION”. The youths received well the witty and meaningful memorabilia. We truly thank God for some youths who had spent some of their holiday time with TGCM Print to prepare the 90 pairs of socks. May the youths be reminded to “walk in love” (Eph 5:2), “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), and “walk after his commandments” (2 John 6), whenever they wear these socks!

The youths were also treated to sumptuous meals cooked by the resort’s kitchen. The resort provided food aplenty, and some sisters also prepared a “condiments table” which supplied an endless flow of snacks and drinks. Praise the LORD for everyone who helped us behind the scenes!

Because of the resort’s greenery, the Bible Witness team also had the chance to record two music videos for BWTV singspiration programmes. We thank God for Bro Matthew and Bro Andronicus, who came with the youths to assist with the video production. We thank God for both sun and rain at His chosen times, and for His help in seeing us through all the planned programmes and activities. When it poured on the second night, the LORD allowed us to witness the campfire from a distance, enabling us still to feel its heat and awe at its glow in the darkness of the night.

Finally, the GYF Committee gives thanks to God for our very committed and responsible Auxiliary Committee (comprising Amoz, Gideon, Marcus and Rayson) who laboured with us to organise the GYF Retreat, and for the young adults who joined the retreat to assist with supervision over the youths. May the youths remember all that they have learned in this retreat. May God, in His good time, raise some of the youths and young adults to serve Him and continue the Gospel work of our Lord Jesus Christ in Gethsemane BP Church.

GYF Retreat 2022 Testimonies

Bernice Tan

Praise God for the opportunity to join Gethsemane’s first youth retreat after the Covid-19 pandemic. The retreat was a great opportunity to have a blessed time of fellowship with other like-minded youths, and a great time to unwind from the pressures of our school life. Thank God for granting grace and wisdom to Pastor and Pr Cornelius, who impressed upon us our personal responsibility as to whether we lay a strong or weak foundation. I would also like to thank God for granting us journey mercies, as well as keeping us safe and healthy during the retreat. All glory be to God!

Abigail Chung

I thank God for giving me the opportunity to join this year’s youth retreat at Sinar Eco Resort. I initially thought that I would not be able to participate because I had already made plans to fly back to Kuching. But by God’s grace and through the church’s support, the brethren from Kuching could also join. Thank God that brethren from other churches participated as well. 

Thank God for giving Pastor Koshy and Pr Cornelius good health and strength, as well as godly wisdom, to preach to the youths on the theme: “Laying a Firm Foundation”. I pray that all the youths have had a fruitful retreat and that we will stand strong in the Lord. I also pray that we will not waver when troubles come, but instead be a good testimony for Christ in our school or work. Thank God for the Auxiliary Committee, young adults and adults, who helped at the retreat and cared for the younger youths. Thank God for the blessed time we had at the retreat, and the fellowship we had with one another. 

My prayer is that God will continue to protect and guide each youth, so that we might not be misled by worldly ideas. I also want to thank God for the good weather (including the heavy rain!), and for the opportunity to experience and appreciate God’s creation to the fullest without worldly distractions. “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 107:1).

Clement Tan

I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for allowing me to join my first youth retreat. Thank God for Pastor and Pr Cornelius’ preaching. This helped me to learn more from the Scriptures, and allowed me to gradually mature as a Christian. Also, the two workshops conducted on the last day of the retreat helped me learn how to interact with a person of the opposite gender, and realise that our path in life is determined by God. Other than these, I have bonded a lot with the other youths and got to know them better. As Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Lastly, I thank God for allowing me to spend my year-end holidays fruitfully.

Dominic Chung

I am thankful for being able to participate in this year’s youth retreat. Thank God for those who organised this retreat, and for Pastor Koshy and Pr Cornelius who preached during this camp. Thank God for the fellowship I had with other brothers and sisters in Christ, and for helping me make new friends during this period. Thank God for the messages on “Laying a Firm Foundation”. I look forward to meeting these brethren again in the next retreat, God willing.

Joel Tan

I praise God that He opened a way for me to attend this year’s youth retreat. The theme, “Laying a Firm Foundation”, is highly relevant in that I am graduating from school in the first half of next year, and I will soon be out in a world that is scarcely navigable and very unwelcoming to Christians. I will always be thankful for the lessons learnt and the reminders administered to us, so that we can live our lives effectively for the Lord. 

In particular, I thank the Lord for reminding me that the Christian life is not obligation-free. Far from that, there are regulations and requirements that we have to adhere to in every area of our life and service. The lifelong responsibilities we face as Christians are grave - and they cannot be discharged in any way we like. In that regard, we should not take inspiration from the thought leaders, academicians and celebrities of this world, but rather strive every day to be more like Christ. 

May I always be willing to abide by God’s directions and God’s will for me. My only desire in life is to perform whatever task He has assigned me to do with distinction for His glory, and always to submit and be more than happy to follow His leading. If my lot in life is to suffer great trials and hardships for Christ, then may I endure them well for the Lord, with much faith in Him and displaying the grace of the Lord for all to see. As the exhortations in 1 Peter 4 remind me, may I always reflect God in all I say, do and think, and may my life be lived according to the standards of God, not of men.

All praise be to our Heavenly Father for a good retreat, which went without incident or accident. Truly, He protects His servants.

(This is the continuation of the article on “Our Speech Matters!” by Pastor Koshy, published last week. It is compiled from several articles that he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4. Part 3 will be published next week.)

The Book of Proverbs describes various characteristics of wise speech. It also provides practical instructions on developing wholesome speech so that we may speak wisely. These biblical counsels on wise speech are discussed below.

Words of Wisdom

Proverbs 10:13 casts light on those who utter words of wisdom – “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found”. In Proverbs, a man of understanding is one who yields his mind to the fear of the LORD (2:5), as well as to righteousness (2:9; 8:8; 10:32), learning (1:5; 16:21), prudence (14:8, 15; 16:21) and knowledge (2:5; 8:9; 14:6; 18:15; 19:25; 28:2). Such a man will possess wise thoughts, and is deemed wise.

Proverbs 10:31 sheds more light on how we can be wise in our speech. It says, “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom”. Just men are mentioned here as speaking wisely. The same is said about the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 – “She openeth her mouth with wisdom” (v. 26a). A commitment to righteousness or virtue will help us dispel foolish and ungodly thoughts and attitudes, so that we may speak wisely.

We are also told in Proverbs that through much learning (cf. Proverbs 1:5; 16:21) and careful analysis (cf. Proverbs 14:8, 15; 16:21), we can obtain needful knowledge for wise speech. Proverbs 15:7a says, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge”. Not only does he possess knowledge, he is also committed to using it to everyone’s benefit, unlike fools who use their knowledge to hurt others. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2).

Words of Truth

In order that we may know and speak the truth, the Book of Proverbs records the words of the wise. “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21). Biblical wisdom is absolute truth, and we should never doubt the veracity of its wisdom. God’s wisdom declares, “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth” (Proverbs 8:6-7a). It calls the readers to take heed of its excellent counsels, for they are truth.

If we utter a word that is contrary to the Scriptures, it is a lie, and hence deceitful. If we speak contrary to the truth of God’s wisdom, we become false witnesses and deceivers. So, we must uphold the wisdom of God’s Word in our conversations. Proverbs 12:17 says, “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.” We must guard and guide our speech according to the true wisdom of His Word, lest we become false witnesses. When our words are based on the truth of His Word, we shall be faithful and righteous in our conversations and instructions. Otherwise, our speech will be deceitful.

Moreover, Proverbs 14:5 reminds us that “a faithful witness will not lie”. While commenting on this verse, Matthew Henry described a faithful witness as such: “He speaks truth and represents everything fairly, to the best of his knowledge, whether in judgment or in common conversation, whether he be upon his oath or no, he shows forth righteousness; he makes it to appear that he is governed and actuated by the principles and laws of righteousness, and he promotes justice by doing honour to it and serving the administration of it.” Proverbs 13:5a says, “A righteous man hateth lying”. The righteous man does not just avoid lies; he hates them!

Those who speak the truth according to God’s Word shall be a great blessing to those who hear them. Proverbs 14:25a says, “A true witness delivereth souls”. A man of integrity would endeavour to bring truth to light and rescue those who are injured by falsehood. Over and above, a faithful Christian who truly witnesses against sin and preaches the Gospel truths of Jesus Christ will be an instrument in God’s hand to deliver souls from eternal death. A truthful person, even if he is a child, can bring great joy to those around him. A father’s admonition in Proverbs 23:16 testifies to this blessing: “Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.”

Righteous Words

The words that a righteous man speaks are acceptable to God. Proverbs 10:32 says, “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” Unlike the wicked, the righteous man seeks to please God in his speech. He will not allow his mouth to speak any perverse thing, which is detestable to the holy God.

Hence, words that spring forth from the righteous will have the qualities that impart spiritual blessings. They will be helpful and life-giving. “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life”, proclaims Proverbs 10:11. A righteous man’s words are depicted as “a well of life”. The Hebrew word for “well” (māqôr) is normally translated as “fountain” or “wellspring”. The picture is of a vibrant, bubbling fountain. The speech of the righteous is intellectually, emotionally, morally and spiritually rejuvenating to his hearers.

Not surprisingly, Proverbs 10:20a gives much praise to “the tongue of the just”, and says that it “is as choice silver”! Like the silver that is refined by the removal of dross, a just man would carefully refine his speech by removing every unacceptable word.

Furthermore, Proverbs 10:21 speaks of “the lips of the righteous”, which “feed many”. The Hebrew word for “feed” (rā˓â) indicates more than just “feeding”, as it occurs widely in connection with shepherding. Therefore, it can be said that the speech of the righteous does the work of a shepherd, such as guiding, leading, feeding, nursing, caring and guarding. Righteous words will nurture the hearers.

Pleasant Words

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). The Hebrew word translated as “pleasant” (nō˓am) occurs about seven times; and the King James Bible translated it as “beauty” four times, “pleasant” twice, and “pleasantness” once. The root form of this word is even used to refer to the beauty of the LORD (cf. Psalms 27:4; 90:17a). Here, pleasant words are compared to the sweet and healthy honeycomb. This comparison is meant to show us that pleasant words sweeten fellowship and restore troubled relationships.

Besides Proverbs 16:24, there are other passages in Proverbs that speak of pleasant words. Proverbs 16:21 says, “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.” Sweet words, which are the result of prudence, promote instruction in the sense that they make learning desirable. Before one opens his mouth to speak, there must be much forethought concerning the attitude and choice of words. This is further emphasised in Proverbs 16:23 – “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” Prudence of heart is essential in developing pleasant speech.

Proverbs 27:9 also provides a similar instruction: “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” According to this verse, the “hearty counsel” adds sweetness to one’s speech. But what is hearty counsel? It is sincere and passionate advice given without any hidden agenda or deceit.

To sum it up, this thought is repeated in Proverbs 15:4, which says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life”. The words, “wholesome” (Proverbs 15:4) and “health” (Proverbs 16:24), are from the same Hebrew word (marpē˒). A wholesome tongue is a healing tongue, i.e. a conciliatory or appeasing tongue. This is compared to a “tree of life”, an emblem of a blessed and meaningful life.

(This article by Pastor Koshy is compiled from several articles he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4.)

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Our speech has the power to either hurt or comfort, destroy or nurture. The potential of the tongue is sobering. So, it needs to be used with much care.

If we do not pay close attention to our speech, it will destroy our Christian testimony. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). What a startling caution this is against unguarded speech!

The evils that can arise from one’s misuse of speech are beyond measure. From one’s mouth proceed blasphemy, falsehood, slander, scandal, profanity, perjury, obscenity, threatening, ridiculing, boastfulness, and the list of evils goes on and on. Oh, what fiery destruction and shame could proceed from an uncontrolled tongue!

Thus, our Lord Jesus reprimanded His hearers, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). Then He put everyone on notice, warning, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).

Christian men and women must take heed that no unwholesome word proceeds from their mouths. In Proverbs 4:23-24, we are exhorted: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” Christians must be deliberate in avoiding every form of ungodly speech, and instead in cultivating wise and godly speech. To disregard or to think lightly of the importance of wise speech is to prove oneself to be foolish and unrighteous.

The Book of Proverbs gives special attention to the importance of wise speech. It encourages readers to cultivate speech which builds up their hearers – by promising them that “a man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 12:14a).

Proverbs has many wonderful counsels on wise speech, and they are strewn across the entire book, mingled with myriads of counsels on many other subjects. We shall consider in this article (and its continuation next week) the wonderful counsels in Proverbs concerning wise speech. 

The Nature of Wise Speech

Wise speech is a distinguishing mark of godly men. It pleases God and brings cheer to its hearers. But foolish speech, which characterises the wicked, dishonours God and troubles men. Proverbs 10:31-32 says, “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”

While the wise man desires excellence in speech, the fool despises it. “Excellent speech becometh not a fool” (Proverbs 17:7a). In Proverbs, a wise man is one who fears God and loves godly wisdom. He always seeks to nurture his speech according to the wisdom that God gives. Only a fool would reject such a noble aspiration.

Proverbs urges us to cultivate wise speech by pointing out its benefits to us. The helpful nature of wise speech is lauded in Proverbs: “the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18b). In other words, a wise man who cautiously utters his words will bring healing to his hearers.

Another verse that speaks of the helpful characteristic of wise speech is Proverbs 18:4, which says, “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.” The synonymous parallelism in this verse portrays “the words of a man’s mouth” as wise words – which are as “deep waters”, a great reservoir of wisdom and counsel. Moreover, his words flow out like a “brook” to provide wisdom for others.

As much as one’s wise speech honours God and edifies his hearers, it also brings wonderful benefits to himself. “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 12:14a). Likewise, “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled” (Proverbs 18:20). Indeed, a man who grows in wise speech will receive this promise of much happiness and satisfaction in life. The phrase “fruit of his mouth”, as with its other occurrences in Proverbs (cf. 12:14; 13:2), refers to good fruits produced by a man’s speech. The phrases, “fruit of his mouth” and “increase of his lips”, are synonymous. They both refer to the benefits of one’s speech. 

Another such benefit is further affirmed by Proverbs 14:3b – “the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” Indeed, the words that the wise speak are a protection to themselves and to others who hear and follow them.

In order to help us cultivate wise speech, the Book of Proverbs describes various characteristics of wise speech, as well as provides practical instructions on developing wholesome speech. Truly, blessed is the man who pays heed to these discreet instructions from Proverbs!

(To be continued next week)