Communication is a key part of human relationships and society. The Bible has a lot to say about how we should communicate with others. Here is an overview of some of the main biblical principles about communication:
Be truthful and honest
The Bible strongly emphasizes honesty and truthfulness in all our communication. Lying, deceit, and dishonesty are repeatedly condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 6:16-19, 12:22, Ephesians 4:25). We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and avoid all forms of false testimony (Exodus 20:16). Our communication should reflect integrity and build trust.
Be gracious and edifying
The Bible instructs us to build others up with our speech and make it wholesome and beneficial (Ephesians 4:29). Our words should impart grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6). Communication that tears down, belittles, or wounds has no place for the Christian. We are to speak in a way that edifies others (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Be quick to listen, slow to speak
Scripture cautions us against being quick to speak without fully listening first (Proverbs 18:13, James 1:19). Good communication requires patience, active listening, and thinking before responding. We should be cautious with our words and not hasty in how we communicate (Proverbs 29:20). Listening well honors others and helps prevent conflict.
Season speech with salt and grace
The Bible says our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Salt adds flavor and acts as a preservative. When our communication is graceful and uplifting, it is a blessing to others and honors God. Gracious speech can help preserve relationships and bring out the best in others.
Speak with wisdom and discretion
Foolishness and unchecked talk can lead to ruin, while wise communication builds up (Proverbs 10:14, 18:7). We are to speak with wisdom, discretion, and self-control, thinking before we verbalize something (Proverbs 12:23, 15:2, James 3:3-12). The right word at the right time has great power, so we should weigh our words carefully.
Avoid gossip, slander and unhealthy speech
Scripture repeatedly warns against using our words to gossip, slander, lie, exaggerate, destroy reputations, and sow discord (Psalm 52:1-5, Proverbs 16:28, 26:20, 2 Timothy 2:16, Ephesians 4:31). We are to speak in a way that does not harm others with our tongue. Unhealthy speech like gossip reflects a heart disconnected from God.
Speak words that build up and encourage
The Bible encourages us to build up and strengthen others through our communication (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13). Words have power to encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weak, and spur growth. We should avoid speech that belittles or tears down and instead speak words that positively build up.
Pray for help communicating well
Since faithful, Christlike communication does not come naturally, we need to pray for God’s help (Psalm 19:14, 141:3). Talking less and listening more requires grace. We should pray for wisdom in how to speak as we ought and have humility in our communication.
The way we communicate reflects the state of our hearts. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can follow biblical principles for healthy, uplifting communication that honors God and serves others. Good communication ultimately points people to Christ.
Be sincere, open and transparent
The Bible teaches us to communicate with sincerity and transparency. We are to lay aside guile, deceit, and hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:1). Instead our speech should be offered in love and openness towards others. Honest, heartfelt communication builds intimacy in relationships (Proverbs 10:9).
Seek first to understand
Often conflicts arise because of misunderstandings from poor communication. Scripture encourages us to be quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19). Seeking first to understand others prevents miscommunication and facilitates healthy discussion. Patient listening is key.
Avoid anger, malice and bitterness
When communicating, we are to put away bitter, hateful, and wrathful speech (Ephesians 4:31). Such speech damages relationships. The Bible instructs us to speak in a way that does not reflect anger, malice or bitterness in our hearts towards others (Colossians 3:8).
Be mindful of both content and delivery
What we say is important, but so is how we say it. The Bible warns that reckless words pierce like a sword (Proverbs 12:18). We should be mindful not just of content but also tone, facial expressions, timing, and delivery. Wise communication considers its impact on others.
Bless others with your speech
Our communication should be focused on benefiting others, not selfish gain (1 Corinthians 10:24). Look for ways your words can encourage, appreciate, bless and build up. Uplifting speech reflects humility and Christ-like love (Ephesians 4:2).
Be sincere and gentle
Scripture instructs our speech to be sincere, gentle, thoughtful and respectful of others (2 Timothy 2:24-25, Titus 3:2). Harsh, accusatory and abrasive communication strains relationships. Generous, patient speech promotes true understanding and harmony.
Avoid gossip and slander
The Bible condemns gossip, backbiting, slander and speaking ill of others (2 Corinthians 12:20, Romans 1:29-30). This damages reputations and destroys trust. Instead we should speak directly with not about others and not spread hurtful information.
Speak carefully and deliberately
Scripture cautions against those who speak recklessly and without forethought (Proverbs 12:18, 29:20). We should be careful and measured in our communication, not impulsive and reactionary. Wise speech considers potential consequences before words are uttered.
Confess faults openly and honestly
The Bible encourages open and honest confession when we have wronged others through poor communication (James 5:16). Taking ownership for the impact of our words, even unintended, helps repair breaches in understanding.
Encourage others through praise
Scripture instructs us to build others up through encouraging words and praise (Romans 14:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Uplifting, affirming words can spur continued growth when communicated sincerely and truthfully.
Avoid flattery and false praise
While encouragement is endorsed, the Bible warns against flattery intended to manipulate or deceive (Proverbs 26:28, 28:23). Our speech should reflect sincere, truthful praise, not excessive, fake flattery for selfish gain.
Speak with patience and self-control
Scripture encourages slow, thoughtful, careful communication (Proverbs 15:28, James 1:19). Patience and self-control should be reflected in our speech, not impulsive reactions. This prevents quarrels and facilitates healthy discussion.
Avoid profanity, vulgarity and obscenity
The Bible instructs believers to avoid profane language, vulgarity, coarse joking and obscenity in speech (Ephesians 5:4). Our communication should reflect purity and holiness to honor God. Foul language should have no place.
Balance truth with love and grace
While we are to speak truthfully, Scripture instructs it must be tempered with love and grace (Ephesians 4:15). Communication in an unkind, blunt or tactless manner can dishonor Christ. Truth is vital but so is the manner it is conveyed.
Avoid exaggeration and manipulation
The Bible discourages dishonest exaggeration intended to manipulate or impress others (Colossians 3:9-10). Our communication should reflect accurate information. Embellishing facts distorts truth and can harm trust in relationships.
Seek wholesome and uplifting speech
Scripture instructs our communication to be wholesome, useful and constructive (Ephesians 4:29). Seek speech that facilitates growth, not merely quarrels or disputes. Edifying, uplifting speech honors God and benefits others.
Be controlled by the Holy Spirit
As believers, we are called to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and shape our communication (Galatians 5:22-23). Yielding to the Spirit’s influence enables our speech to become more Christlike and grace-filled.
Avoid charming or manipulative talk
The Bible warns against those who use flattering, manipulative, deceptive speech to exploit others (Romans 16:18). Our communication should have sincere intent, not secret agendas. Smooth talk with ulterior motives is prohibited.
Pray for divine wisdom in speech
Scripture encourages asking God for wisdom on how to communicate rightly, carefully, and lovingly in every situation (James 1:5). Prayerfully evaluate speech to ensure it aligns with God’s truth and purposes.
In summary, the Bible provides abundant divine guidance on how to communicate as believers in a Christ-honoring way. Following these principles enables our speech to powerfully convey truth and love in a manner pleasing to God.
