The Bible does not specifically mention “the guff” by name. However, we can explore what the Bible teaches about human speech and communication, which seems relevant to the idea of “the guff.”
The Power of the Tongue
The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words and speech. Several verses warn about the dangers of unwise, rash, or gossiping speech:
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
So Scripture cautions us to be careful and wise with our speech. “The guff” could refer to careless, gossipy, or mean-spirited talk. As Christians, we are called to build others up with our words and avoid speech that tears down.
Truthful Yet Gracious Speech
At the same time, the Bible commends speech that is truthful, gracious, and brings glory to God:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
Our speech should be sincere, constructive, and thoughtful, not hasty or reactive. As one proverb reminds us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19)
God Hears Our Words
The Bible also makes it clear that God hears every word we speak. Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matthew 12:36).
In one of his psalms, David prays, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3). Even our whispers are heard by God, who knows our hearts and minds.
The Godly Use of Speech
While warning against unwise speech, the Bible also gives many examples of God-honoring, constructive speech. Jesus’ words were perfectly tuned to each situation to teach, correct, heal, and bless people.
The apostles boldly preached the gospel after Pentecost through the power of the Spirit. Paul’s letters have instructed Christians for centuries through their wise and Spirit-inspired words.
God gifts and empowers His people to speak well and powerfully share the gospel. Our speech should aim to build others up, proclaim Christ, teach truth, offer hope and wisdom, give grace to listeners, and bring glory to God.
Bridling the Tongue
Controlling our tongues and speech habits can be challenging. The book of James offers insightful (and convicting) teaching on why the tongue is so hard to tame:
“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” (James 3:7-10)
Out of the same mouth comes both worship and wickedness. Our fickle tongues flip between praising God one minute and tearing others down the next. Only the sanctifying work of the Spirit can increasingly bridle our tongues.
The Blessing of Wise Speech
In contrast to reckless speech, the Bible shows how wise words can profoundly bless others. Solomon’s proverbs are an outstanding example. Through accurate observations and Spirit-inspired advice, Proverbs guides people toward wisdom, prudence, integrity, justice, and the fear of the Lord.
Similarly, the eloquent exhortations of prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel led the people of Israel to repentance and renewed faith. Paul’s letters have instructed the church for centuries through their inspired descriptions of godly living and doctrine. Skillful speech has the power to teach, guide, and redeem.
The Ultimate Word: Jesus
Jesus Christ is described as the Word of God incarnate (John 1:1). When God wanted to perfectly express Himself to the world, He sent His living Word, Jesus. The writer of Hebrews says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).
No expression of truth and grace can surpass the perfect revelation of God through Christ. Our weak, prone-to-wander words will always fall short of the flawless words of Jesus. But by His Spirit at work within us, our speech can reflect His light.
As we yield our tongues to the Lord each day, He is able to increasingly speak through us for His glory and the blessing of others. Our aim should be that our speech points people to Jesus, just as John the Baptist modeled for us: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Guidance for Godly Speech
Based on biblical teaching, here are some key principles for God-honoring speech:
– Is it true? Speak the truth in love. Do not lie or mislead. (Ephesians 4:15,25)
– Is it necessary? Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Avoid gossip. (James 1:19, Proverbs 20:19)
– Is it kind? Build others up with gracious, loving speech. (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6)
– Is it clear? Speak clearly, respectfully, and gently. Avoid angry, manipulative, or confusing words. (Proverbs 15:1)
– Is it fitting? Consider your listener and situation. Make sure it’s appropriate. (Colossians 4:6)
– Is it profitable? Will your words benefit others and honor God? Don’t waste words. (Ephesians 4:29)
– Is it godly? Align your speech with Scripture. Let the Word dwell in you richly. (Colossians 3:16)
Valuing Christ-like Speech
Given the power of our words, developing Christ-like speech should be a priority for believers who want to walk in wisdom. Just as we learn to control our eating habits or financial disciplines, we must train our tongues to speak in a way that serves others and glorifies God.
Through prayer, Scripture meditation, and the inner work of the Spirit, we can grow in both valuing edifying speech and restraining harmful words. Our communication can become more truthful, gracious, purposeful, and redeeming as we are conformed to the image of Christ. Just as Proverbs says, “The tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible offers much guidance for our communication. “The guff” likely refers to unwise, aimless, or uncontrolled speech that does not serve others or honor God. Followers of Christ should pursue speech that is sincere, thoughtful, uplifting, and brings glory to God.
With the Spirit’s help, our words can have tremendous power to heal and bless. May our conversation be saturated with the gracious seasoning of salt so that we can redeem each opportunity.