Comentariu La Proverbe Despre Vorbire.docx

Comentariu la Proverbe http://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/proverbs.php?chapter=29

Prov despre vorbire Proverbs — Wise Speech: Be Careful What You Say KEY VERSE 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. See also James 3:1-12: “…the tongue is a fire …”

1. DON’T SAY TOO MUCH 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 18:6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

2. DON’T SAY TOO LITTLE 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. 15:23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 22:11 He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

3. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING 2:12 … delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech.. 4:24 Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. 26:28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. See also 1 Samuel 25: David, Nabal, and Abigail

4. THINK ABOUT WHO YOU ARE SPEAKING TO 17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 18:8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. See also Luke 8:31-2: And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

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Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Your speech will either promote or destroy you (10:14; 12:14; 13:2-3; 18:6-7,23). If you are older, it already has! Many have ruined their lives by ungoverned mouths. Others have been exalted for their kind and wise tongues. Your speech will bring either blessing or cursing on you from both God and men, in both time and eternity. Do you love good speech or bad speech? Your future will be impacted heavily by your choice and habit. A tongue can kill or save others' lives. A false witness can cause the death of an innocent man, or a comforter can give life to a dejected man by an uplifting word. A slanderer can kill the reputation of a good man, or a wise counselor can guide a young man through the dangers of youth. A seducing woman can ruin a man's life, or a godly mother can teach her children the truth. A tongue definitely affects others, but that is not the lesson here. The tongue also affects speakers! The death and life in the power of the tongue are the effects of your speech on yourself! We know this by the second clause, which teaches that those loving their use of the tongue will eat either the fruit of death or life. We also know this by the context, for the previous proverb reads, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled" (18:20). Consider the love of speech, which is a key in this proverb. Even evil men can say good things when it is to their greedy purposes to do so, and good men slip from time to time and say things they should not (23:6-8; Eccl 10:1). But only good men truly love good speech, and only evil men truly love evil speech. The law of the proverb is based on what kind of speech you love - the speech you commit your heart, mouth, and habits toward. When you see a man failing in life, he likely did not rule his tongue. You can see the failure in his marriage(s), with his children, and in his profession. Criticism and harshness cost him affection. Exaggerations and extreme words cost him trust. Complaining and whining cost him influence. Arrogance and disrespect of authority cost him promotions. Too many words cost him listeners. Backbiting and talebearing cost him respect. Foolishness and jesting cost him honor. Unkept promises made him a liar. He is dead! He committed suicide with his tongue! He ate the fruit of death! He used the power of his tongue to his own destruction. He would not rule his spirit or teach his tongue 2

wisdom (16:23; 25:28). Therefore, both God and men punished him for his verbal folly. God turned to be his enemy, and men avoided him and cut him out of their friendships and profitable endeavors. He used the power of his tongue to his own destruction and death. Other men rise like cream to the top, because they govern their speech. They limit their words (10:19; 17:27-28). They use gentleness rather than bluster (scandalul) (15:1; 25:15). They only speak the certain words of truth (22:17-21). They never speak against a man not present (16:28; 26:20-22). They study and think before speaking (15:28). They are always thankful. They seldom speak up unless requested (18:13; 29:11; Jas 1:19). Their gracious speech wins the hearts of men and women - they are soon friends with the king (16:13; 22:11). They are a tree of life to others and to themselves (10:11; 13:3; 15:4)! When a woman is a failure, she likely did not rule her tongue. Harsh and critical speech, nagging reminders, snotty retorts, or constant suggestions destroyed her husband's affection - she killed her marriage. Her children cannot wait to get out of the house, because the overbearing and continual criticism is too much to bear. She is odious! She has no friends, because everyone hates an odious woman. She committed marital, domestic, and social suicide with her tongue! She ate the fruit of death! She is dead! A gracious woman is always honored (11:16). The rule is simple and absolute - a woman that rules her tongue will have many friends and a glorious reputation. She has the law of kindness in her mouth, and she only speaks when she has something wise and important to contribute (31:26). She never speaks to hear herself talk, to offer trivialities, to correct insignificant details, or to make sure she contributes more than others in a group. She has a meek and quiet spirit one that despises talking without a noble purpose (I Pet 3:3-4). Young man, learn sound speech before it is too late. Keep company only with gracious and wise men, who rule their mouths. Reject every man with a foolish and loud mouth. Learn Solomon's wisdom about teaching your lips (4:24; 6:12; 8:13; 10:31-32; 15:28; 16:23). You can greatly enhance your future by learning good speech for all occasions. Young woman, you should learn and practice the same things. If you do not, you will have difficulty finding a man that will ruin his life by marrying you. An odious woman is a terrifying threat to men, and a young man can discover you with his ears. You must despise idle chatter, giggling, foolish talking, opinionated debate, or other odious traits. Old man, you are already eating the fruit of your mouth. The only hope you have is to confess the sins of your mouth to God and men, speak only gracious and wise words when asked, and beg God for the wisdom and strength to rule your unruly member. Old woman, you have likely scarred your husband's heart. And your children, while not telling you, rejoice when they can get away from you or end a phone conversation. How many crave your presence and pursue conversation with 3

you? If the number is low, you have a speech problem. Follow the advice given to the old man and trust God for mercy. Reader, your words will bring death or life in this world and the next. Jesus said, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matt 12:36-37). Death and life are in your tongue. Choose life!

Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

A simple rule of wisdom is to cut your words in half. Many words and much speaking greatly raise the chance of sinning with your lips. Because of this sober risk, wisdom teaches us to reduce our number of words and hold our peace. See the notes on 17:28. A wise man reflects soberly after speaking very much, for he remembers the grave warning of the first half of this proverb. If he uttered quite a few words, he has probably sinned in his speech and appears a fool (Eccl 5:3). In this context, silence is very golden! So the God of wisdom tells us to be faster to hear and slower to speak (Jas 1:19). If you emphasized listening and being skilful at that, you would have little time for talking. If you were slow and reluctant to speak, you would have an excellent spirit (17:27). Wisely consider your words before you speak, rather than regret them after they are gone. Ah, dear reader, have you not wasted many painful hours reviewing words you spoke? Have you often said, "I wish I'd never said that" or "Why did I say that?" Such misery could be reduced, if you would simply refrain your lips from idle or foolish speech. If we would hold our tongue, we would not have to worry about words that escaped. Wisdom is easy - cut your words in half! Talk less! The tongue is a fire, so douse (udă) its sparks by swallowing words (Jas 3:1-12)! The tongue is deadly, so use it slowly (18:21)! Words and sin are not an arithmetic, but a geometric, relationship. The words we add beyond necessary speech contain most of our verbal sins; those sins increase rapidly the more and longer we talk (Eccl 10:13). If we swallow those 4

extra words that are unnecessary, easily half our words, they will save many sins. Cutting your words by 50% will reduce your sins of speech by 90%! Wisdom is easy! Bridle your mouth (Ps 39:1)! If children cut their words in half, there would be less foolishness, teasing of siblings, and dishonoring of parents. If wives did it, they would be less odious, contentious, and overbearing. If employees did it, managers would find their jobs much easier and production and unity would improve. If angry and bitter people did it, there would be much less bleeding of wounded souls. If fools did it, they would be esteemed wise. Of course, there are people who hardly ever speak, and this proverb does not apply to them. They need to use more words to be gracious and a tree of life. If they do not learn to speak, their lives will have little value for anyone. True wisdom feeds many (10:21).

Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Slow down! Don't talk so fast! Think before you speak! Make sure you know what you are talking about before sounding off! A person that talks fast, talks often, and answers quickly is worse than a fool! A fool will get in trouble due to ignorance, but a man who answers or speaks before thinking is going to be punished. He is worse than a fool! God's wisdom is simple - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (Jas 1:19). You have two ears and one mouth: let this proportion be reflected in your listening and speaking! Many have their mouths running before their minds are in gear, and they are a danger to themselves and a stench to others. A righteous man studies before answering; wicked men pour out verbal nonsense without study (15:28). The good man is cautious before speaking, because he wants to make certain he only speaks the words of truth (22:20-21). The arrogant fool likes to hear himself talk, so he is busy talking whenever possible, regardless of truth (Eccl 10:12-13). Have you ever met a person who answers before questions are fully posed? Have you ever done this? It is folly and shame to answer a dilemma you have not yet fully heard (18:13). What causes a man to answer so presumptuously? His arrogance and conceit! He is so sure of himself, he talks without deliberation; there is more hope of a fool (26:12). 5

Fools are stupid, but hasty and impulsive talkers are proud. There is at least a little hope in helping a fool defeat his stupidity and stubbornness, but there is no hope in helping a proud man recognize his deficiencies in character and conduct and change them! His self-righteous confidence, the greatest of sins, will not allow him to be corrected. He will not seek a multitude of counselors to obtain safety, because he is surely right (11:14; 15:22). Fools say all that is in their minds without any necessity or request, but a wise man will listen carefully to see if he ought to tell what he knows or not (29:11). This is wisdom, reader! No one wants to know your opinion or thoughts until they ask for it, and then they want you to stay to the topic and only say things you have previously confirmed as truth. How many have brought God's judgment down on them for speaking hastily in the house of God (Eccl 5:1-7)? It is better not to vow, than to vow and not pay. Sober reflection is superior to the crackling of fools (Eccl 7:2-6). They merely make a lot of vain noise. It can also happen in writing, so be cautious before replying with a hasty email. Slow men are better than fast men, and hasty thoughts will get you in trouble (14:29; 21:5).

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Wisdom listens carefully, and answers slowly. A hasty response is neither intelligent nor wise - it is foolish and shameful. Comprehending accurately and answering rightly is far more important than answering quickly. You have two ears to hear, but only one mouth to speak; let these proportions dictate your emphasis. Be swift to hear, and slow to speak. Make sure you know every situation fully before making a judgment or giving an answer. Are you a good listener? Wisdom listens well, because it must gather all the facts forming an explanation or impacting a situation. It must sort through and discard the details not affecting the matter and focus only on those that are important. The man already thinking about his answer, or worse yet, already talking, has foolishly cut short his gathering of information. He is a fool. You will meet many of them. Make sure you are not one! Are you a slow speaker? Wisdom is careful, guarded, and reserved in giving of opinions. It knows that haste makes waste, especially in thinking and speaking. It knows that prudent analysis to circumspectly consider all angles is very important before speaking. It knows that the first thoughts may not be the best thoughts. It knows that wise men study to answer, but the mouths of wicked men pour out foolishness without studying (15:28). Ahasuerus and Darius hastily approved wicked proposals. The first agreed to exterminate a people before knowing his wife was among them; the second condemned his most faithful aide to lions for the

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mere envy of his colleagues. And foolish Haman, if he had asked what Ahasuerus was reading, he might have toned down the parade for Mordecai! Righteous judgment is not judging by appearance, but by substance (John 7:24). Only foolish men rush to judgment without all the facts, with merely suppositional evidence. Even the Jews and Romans, as quick and severe as their systems of justice were, allowed a man to speak for himself before judgment was passed (John 7:51; Acts 25:16; 26:1). The man (or woman) who talks immediately, or who talks almost constantly, is a fool. You can find them easily. Listen to any conversation. The one answering before a matter is fully told, or answering without due deliberation, or answering frivolously or emotionally, is a fool. They say it plainly (Ec 5:3; 10:3). Make sure you are not like them. Fewer words are better. Others will esteem you wise, even if you are not (17:27-28). And you will save yourself much sin (10:19; James 3:2). Quick speaking with slow hearing is folly (14:29; 29:20). Quick hearing with slow speaking is wisdom (James 1:19-20).

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

How beautiful is your speech? Would your hearers compare it to a beautiful painting or sculpture? Solomon praises good speech here by comparing it to an exquisite scene. In our city are many paintings or sculptures of fruit in bowls and other settings, and apples are commonly used. Fine homes are decorated with such lovely art. Here is a simple simile, a figure of speech of comparison. It is known by the word "like." Apples, gold, pictures, or silver are not the subject. They only have comparative value taken together. Proper speech is commended by likening it to their combined beauty. But some dream it proves an important rule of hermeneutics, or Bible interpretation single words are more important than their context. They imagine a single word is like gold and its context like silver, and since gold has always been worth more than silver, then a single word is more important than its context. Incredible! Such wisdom is too high for me (Ps 131:1), as the Spirit never imagined hermeneutics here. Lord, help us. What are pictures, especially before photography? Since the other uses do not define the word (Num 33:52; Is 2:16), let us give a dictionary summary of this English word. Picture. A painting, drawing, sculpture, statute or other symbolic representation of some thing as a work of art.

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Can you visualize apples of gold in a painting or sculpture of silver? As in a silver basket or bowl? What a beautiful combination of color and images! So are words well spoken! As the next verse shows, Solomon is using similes to praise good speech (25:12), though there he uses "as" to indicate the simile. Still using gold, he compares it to fine jewelry. Right words used the right way at the right time are wonderful. They deserve a kiss on the lips (24:26)! They are wonderful (15:23,26; 16:13,24; 22:11; Eccl 12:10; Col 4:6)! A single word is not the point! What did Paul say when giving a word of exhortation (Acts 13:15)? And why did he call Hebrews a word (Heb 13:22)? Solomon and we use "word" this way, as something said, all the time (12:25; 13:13; 14:15; 15:23; Eccl 8:4). How did our Lord speak? Most beautifully! The assembly at Nazareth couldn't believe it (Luke 4:22); Mary couldn't get enough of it (Luke 10:39); His enemies praised it (John 7:46); and His beautiful tongue and choice of words were foretold long before (Is 50:4). Cross-references: Proverbs 10:20 Proverbs 10:32 Proverbs 12:25

Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Your mouth can do more than swallow food. It can also cheer up a heavy heart. But you must learn kind, complimentary, encouraging, and faithful words to do so. How is it, reader? Are you able to spot a heavy heart, a stooped heart? And do you know what good and gladdening words it needs? Do you use good words to comfort and encourage many? Most men are too selfish and preoccupied with their own lives to notice others or their problems, and most do not have the affection or concern for others to say or write something kind and helpful. They are wrapped up in their own thoughts, and it does not cross their minds to serve others. The rest are simply too fearful and unlearned in the art. This text does not justify heavy hearts: saints should be the most contented and joyful people on earth (Ps 4:7; 63:5; 92:4; I Pet 1:8). Though great men are cast down at times, they do not allow such feelings to overwhelm them (Ps 42:1-11; II Cor 4:8-10). An unruled melancholy spirit is a curse, a tool of the devil, and the means of self-destruction.

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But if we consider those rightly cast down, we have an object of pity deserving our attention and affection. A heavy heart carries weighty burdens that make it stoop with the heavy load; it is a soul pressed down by the cares, circumstances, and troubles of life. King Lemuel's mother recommended wine as a possible cure for this infirmity (31:6)! It is cruel to dance around those cast down. It is like taking away a coat in cold weather (25:20). This cheap affection does more harm than good. "Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine," are good words and work sometimes; but men with real burdens and an oppressed spirit need to hear more (14:10; 15:13; 17:22; 18:14). It is better, according to Paul's wisdom, that we weep with them that weep, not dance (Rom 12:15; I Cor 12:26). Telling another person they look poorly is a gift of sadistic monsters. The cruelty sounds like this: "You look horrible this morning, do you have clinical dysentery? I read that it infected many this past week. My mother in law was a mess! How are you coping?" Not a bull in a china shop, this person is a pit bull in a nursery. For the real problem was an angry and bitter spouse that had temporarily broken the heart of their tender soul. A whole book of the Bible describes Job's three self-righteous friends, who did not have a single good word to gladden his heavily weighed down heart. Instead of good words to comfort and strengthen him, they joined together in accusing him of great hypocrisy and secret sins. No wonder he called them miserable comforters. No wonder God would not forgive them, unless Job himself would pray for them. But others often follow their lead and blame evil circumstances on God's judgment, when it may be an affectionate trial. When was the last time you complimented someone directly and sincerely? How often do you do it in a day? A good and kind thought about another not expressed ... is worthless! If you have a good thought about someone, tell them! How much better would the world be if we complimented those deserving it. How much would the righteous be encouraged in righteousness? Your word may lift the heart of the weary when they need it (Is 50:4). We are to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2). And this work that falls upon every true saint includes comforting the feebleminded, which may be the result of a heavy heart (Ps 38:1-22; I Thess 5:14). If you are strong in the Lord, it is your duty to look for those who are weak and help them (Rom 15:1-3). Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and godly saints use it for health and life (12:18; 15:23; 16:24; 18:21; 27:9). Only a pinch of salt - criticism and rebuke - should flavor a wise man's gracious words (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6). The goal is to edify, or build up, one another, as Jonathan built up David, when he was hiding in the woods (I Sam 23:16). Angels comforted and strengthened our Lord Jesus several times, especially when His spirit was greatly troubled in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33-34); and He sends His Spirit to comfort us, when we humble ourselves before Him and cry for help. Let us follow His holy example and use the good words of His good Word to make sad hearts glad!

Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

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Answering well is a wonderful thing, especially when it is done at the right time! It is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl (25:11)! Knowing how to answer others is a great skill wise men will diligently pursue. The ability to help another with the right words is serving in a precious and profitable way (12:14; 16:13; 23:16; 24:26; 25:12). The Lord Jesus taught that giving is more blessed than receiving (Acts 20:35). And one of the finest ways to give and support others is with a kind or wise word when they need it. There is righteous joy in helping someone with good counsel. But such ability only comes by careful preparation before the opportunity presents itself. Jesus Christ had this ability. "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Is 50:4). It is our duty and privilege to seek this wise tongue, so we also might help others. We can learn how to answer every man and take pleasure in doing it (Col 4:6; Gal 6:1-5; I Pet 3:15). How? Listen very attentively and speak cautiously (18:13; James 1:19). How? Reduce words to only valuable ones (10:19; 17:27-28; Eccl 5:3). How? Spend time examining speech by prayer (Ps 19:12-14; 139:23-24). How? Keep your heart and thoughts pure and wise (4:23; Luke 6:45). How? Always be gracious in your speech (22:11; Eccl 10:12; Col 4:6). How? Make the glory of God the object of speech (Col 3:17; I Cor 10:31). How? Study to make sure all your answers are right (15:2,28; 16:23). How? Make sure the words fit the occasion (10:32; 25:20; I Cor 13:5). How? Choose words that build others up (12:18; Eph 4:29; I Cor 10:24). How? Use gentle words when a person is angry (15:1; Judges 8:1-3). How? Give certain words of truth rather than opinions (22:17-22). How? Learn wisdom to solve dilemmas for others (10:21; 16:21; 27:9). How? Be encouraging and uplifting to others (12:25; I Sam 23:16). How? Use pleasant rather than harsh words (16:24; Col 4:6; Luke 4:22). How? Do not debate or dispute with fools (23:9; 26:4-5; II Tim 2:23). How? Avoid complaining or negative speech (17:20; Phil 2:14; Col 3:17). How? Reject pride and contention in speech (13:10; 18:6; I Cor 6:7). How? Let negative words only season speech (James 3:9-12; Col 4:6). The true purpose of the church is the mutual help members give one another while waiting for the return of Jesus Christ (Heb 3:12-13; 10:23-25). But this great goal will only be realized where members learn to answer well at the right time. If godly speech is learned by all, a church can grow up to the full measure of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:13-16).

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Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Good words do not prove good intentions. Liars and flatterers are out to destroy you, no matter how good their words sound, no matter their excuses (26:24-25). A wise man rejects both kinds of men, just as David did (Ps 101:3-8). If you tolerate these deceitful people in your life, they will take you down (20:19; 29:5). They are hiding hatred and destruction behind their lying words, and noble and prudent men will stay far from them. A man lies for advantage or to protect himself. He is selfish and wicked, so he feels no guilt about deceiving you in order to advance himself. It does not matter what his relationship is to you or how kindly he speaks at other times. If he has lied to you, then you should run far from him, whether it is a slander about you or a lie to your face. His deceit proves that he hates you. He is out to hurt you or use you. True friends never lie. Flattery is praise designed to deceive you into doing what the flatterer wants you to do. It is a form of lying, but it is harder to detect and resist. Men love praise, so they are easily lulled to sleep by flattery. It is poison in a spoonful of honey. A flatterer is more dangerous than a slanderer, for he is crafty, friendly, and subtle in working his deceit, while liars are more easily detected by their open malice and wickedness. Are you vigilant and intolerant against deceivers? Aggressive salesmen may lie or flatter to sell an inferior product. Many girls have lost their virginity or women their marital fidelity to lying flattery of whoremongers (II Sam 13:1-13). Many men have been led to hell by flattering lies of whorish women (2:16-18; 5:3; 6:24-26; 7:5,21-23). Many citizens have voted for corrupt politicians due to flattery and false promises, for the election process in most nations is based on words rather than character or performance. Parent, you must severely punish lying and flattery, and you must teach children to reject liars and flatterers (Job 32:21-22). Teach them that God hates liars, He will judge them, and liars are going to hell (6:16-19; Job 17:5; Ps 12:2-3; Rev 21:8). Teach them that friends who tell the truth even when it hurts are better than kisses from an enemy (27:5-6). Teach them that men should be judged by their actions and lives, not words (20:11). Religion has many lies and flattery, for the devil has used it since Eden (Gen 3:1-13; John 8:44). The Jews flattered and lied to Jesus to trap him (Luke 20:20-21). False teachers use good words and fair speeches to deceive simple hearers (Rom 16:17-18). Rome tells the lies of abstaining from meat and marriage (I Tim 4:1-3). But God's faithful pastors and teachers never use flattering speech or lies (II Cor 2:17; 4:2; I Thess 2:3-6). Jehovah is a God of truth, and so is His Son Jesus Christ, Who is Faithful and True (Rev 19:11). All who take His name must make sure their every word is honest, sincere, and true ... and obviously so in the eyes of all others (Deut 32:4; Rom 12:17; I Pet 2:12).

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