How’s your political talk? When that certain elected official who irks you most comes up in conversation, what comes out of your mouth? When you read headlines that “blast” others on topics you feel most passionate about, how quick is your impulse to “share”? There is certainly nothing wrong with being outspoken about one’s convictions—indeed, we need strong voices that stand for what is right and good and true. But shouldn’t the believer’s voice have a distinct, Christ-reflecting wisdom and tone that sets it apart from the norm?
“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23, ESV)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2, NLT)
“When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19, CSB)
There is a time to share our political views—views which should be formed by our faith—but if we merely parrot the voices of those who shout our views most provocatively, have we helped?
Now, that is not to say that the voice of wisdom is not at times provocative. One of my favorite proverb-pairings says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4–5, ESV). While these verses seem contradictory at first glance, they actually demonstrate that different scenarios call for discernment. Like Jesus, the voice of the wise will not always be predictable. Jesus spoke with stunning compassion to disgraced sinners and then delivered the woes to the religious elite!
The point is, as Christians, our speech—including our political talk and social media sharing—should reflect Christ. In this stormy political season, let’s not merely parrot the bashing and mocking; let’s speak with Christian wisdom and grace and virtue.
Political Talk
How’s your political talk? When that certain elected official who irks you most comes up in conversation, what comes out of your mouth? When you read headlines that “blast” others on topics you feel most passionate about, how quick is your impulse to “share”? There is certainly nothing wrong with being outspoken about one’s convictions—indeed, we need strong voices that stand for what is right and good and true. But shouldn’t the believer’s voice have a distinct, Christ-reflecting wisdom and tone that sets it apart from the norm?
“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23, ESV)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2, NLT)
“When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19, CSB)
There is a time to share our political views—views which should be formed by our faith—but if we merely parrot the voices of those who shout our views most provocatively, have we helped?
Now, that is not to say that the voice of wisdom is not at times provocative. One of my favorite proverb-pairings says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4–5, ESV). While these verses seem contradictory at first glance, they actually demonstrate that different scenarios call for discernment. Like Jesus, the voice of the wise will not always be predictable. Jesus spoke with stunning compassion to disgraced sinners and then delivered the woes to the religious elite!
The point is, as Christians, our speech—including our political talk and social media sharing—should reflect Christ. In this stormy political season, let’s not merely parrot the bashing and mocking; let’s speak with Christian wisdom and grace and virtue.