How a “Better Man” Talks

How Do We Act Like Men in our Conversation?  Paul tells us to “act like men” in 1 Corinthians.  Eventually, our “talk” is affected by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.  How do you talk?  How should a “better man” talk?   Russ Gregory finds these four keys in the book of James to help us.

1.  Act like men by learning to LISTEN.   “…. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” James 1:19   I was always told that we have two ears and one mouth – and that this fact reminds us to listen twice as much as we speak!  Teachable men, better men learn to listen!

 2. Act like men by learning to keep our MOUTHS CLOSED“ For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man…” James 3:2  James tells us there are simply times we need to exercise self-discipline and “shut up.”  If I could recall the many times I’ve said what I shouldn’t have, I could save a LOT of collateral damage.  Only the Spirit’s power can help us here, so learn to die to self and lean on His power!

 3. Act like men by learning to understand the DAMAGE we can do. “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body ……” James 3:6   Can you remember when someone around you BUILT YOU UP with their words?  Powerful, isn’t it?  Can you remember when someone TORE YOU DOWN by their words?  Painful, isn’t it?   Build up, don’t tear down.

 4. Act like men by learning not to CURSE. “With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing….”   James 3:9-10   Real men don’t waste words – and they don’t pervert language.  Cursing says nothing good about you, your intelligence or your attitude.  It shows what’s lacking.

Men, our words can bring life and blessing to those around us – and they can bring destruction and cursing.  So, BUILD one another up with your talk.