Beware of Jesting
To live a life of regulated conversation, we must prioritize prayer, faith, and mindfulness of our words.
John Hames emphasizes the importance of regulating one's conversation in alignment with biblical standards, focusing on the power of controlling one's words and maintaining a spirit of quietness and modesty. He highlights the significance of practicing the presence of God in all conversations and avoiding environments that may lead to ungodly speech and behaviors.
Text
"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23)
Among the many beautiful thoughts springing from the life of our blessed Redeemer which greatly impress the writer is this: "He was a man of few words," that is, He only spoke when it was necessary and profitable. This is one of the grandest victories that one can obtain on this side of the gates of pearl, namely, where one's spirit is so subdued and his tongue under such control that he never jests, jokes, scolds, backbites, nor uses idle talk. This is the Scriptural standard of a Christian's conversation. (Matt 12:36,37; Eph. 4:29; Eph. 5:4)
In the following lines I wish to submit to the new beginner a few suggestions on how to thus regulate his conversation.
1. By prayer and faith hold on to God until He not only cleanses out all jesting and joking, but also the inward tendency to use many words. An experience where your tongue will be under such control that you can keep quiet as easily as you can speak, where you can put the brakes on your conversation with ease, anywhere, everywhere and any time.
2. "Study to be quiet," that is, be always on your guard to see, not how much, but how little you can have to say. And when in company and public gatherings, do not talk just to be considered a good entertainer. Jesus said, "By thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matt. 12:37).
3. The most successful way to comply with the above rule is to continually practice the presence of God, ever remembering that, "He is the head of every house, the unseen guest at every meal, and the silent listener to every conversation."
4. It would also be well to avoid mirthful gatherings, large crowds and big birthday suppers, etc., for these are strong weapons in the hands of the devil to destroy holy modesty, evenness of spirit and heavenly communion, and also tend to close our ears to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.
Many times in one hour's conversation people tear down the rampart of holy modesty from around their soul which for years they had been erecting with prayer and tears.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Regulated Conversation
- A. The Scriptural standard of a Christian's conversation
- B. The consequences of unregulated conversation
- II. How to Regulate Conversation
- A. Prayer and faith to control the tongue
- B. Studying to be quiet and mindful of words
- C. Practicing the presence of God in daily life
- III. Avoiding Destructive Influences
- A. Steer clear of mirthful gatherings and large crowds
- B. Protect holy modesty and heavenly communion
Key Quotes
“He was a man of few words, that is, He only spoke when it was necessary and profitable.” — John Hames
“By thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” — John Hames
“He is the head of every house, the unseen guest at every meal, and the silent listener to every conversation.” — John Hames
Application Points
- Pray and have faith to control your tongue and regulate your conversation.
- Be mindful of your words and strive to speak only when necessary and profitable.
- Practice the presence of God in your daily life to maintain holy modesty and heavenly communion.