Biblical Principles for Healthy Communication

Who doesn’t agree that one of the greatest problems we are facing today in interpersonal relationships is unhealthy communication? Who doesn’t confront difficulties in family, in workplace and in neighborhood because of lack of good communication? Who isn't aware of the fact that conflicts in relationships are usually flared up due to ill-mannered communication? In spite of so much of advancement in technical communication isn't man still lacking the discernment to speak well?

There are surplus books on communication in our day but nothing like the wisdom we find in that Old Book which is as old as sun and as fresh as the dawn. Indeed all communication skills echo the truth we find in the Holy Scripture. Have you miserably failed like me in apt communication and struggling to improve your attitude and skills for healthy communication? Then join with me in considering and obeying the following exhortations of the Scripture:

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR HEALTHY COMMUNICATION

Guard Your Tongue when You Talk
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Pro. 21:23)

Listen Well before Answering
He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame. (Pro. 18:13)

Think before Speaking & Answering
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. (Pro. 15:28)

Speak not in Haste
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Pro. 29:20)

Speak the Right Words at the Right Time
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word! (Pro. 15:23)

Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (Jas. 1:19)

Speak the Truth in Love
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Eph. 4:15)

Be Truthful in Your Conversations
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices. (Col. 3:9)

Speak Words of Edification
Do not let any corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph. 4:29)

Avoid Quarrelsome Talk
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (Pro. 17:14)

Stay Silent when Necessary
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
(Pro. 17:28)

Beware of Being Talkative
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Pro. 10:19)

Understand Others’ Words and Feelings
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
(Pro. 14:29)

Speak Pleasant Words
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Pro. 16:24)

Communicate Gently
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Pro. 15:1)

Resist Using Reckless Words
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Pro. 12:18)

Let Your Speech be Sound, Gracious and Enthralling
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col. 4:6)

When You are in the Wrong, Don't Use Defensive and Justifying Words,
but only Words of Apology
Confess your sins to each other. (Jas. 5:16)

Avoid Nagging and Grumbling about Others’ Faults
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Pro. 17:9)

Condemn not Others if They are Different
Let us stop condemning each other. Instead, make up your mind to live in such a way that you would not put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. (Rom. 14:13)

Deny using Vengeful Words and Reacting Angrily
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Pet. 3:9)

Keep Yourself Away from Gossiping about Others
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Pro. 16:28)

Speak not without Knowing the Facts
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. (Pro. 14:15)

Correct not a Person’s Alleged Faults without Careful Examination
One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (Deut. 19:15)

Prayer:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14)

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