When I was around 10 years old, my friend and I decided we would embark on the area-wide Bible Bowl in Denver. Our knowledge of the scriptures was below novice (barely being able to recite the books of the New Testament) but we were confident in our ability to learn and grow. For a series of Sunday afternoons a generous family of the congregation hosted us and taught us the basics of the Bible Bowl questions alongside their own children. The time came for us to venture to a different church building, take our seats, and begin our assessment.

After the test we were feeling “okay.” Not good but not terrible. That was until our world came crashing down via the words of an area church goer. He wasn’t aware of his surroundings and having no clue that we were within earshot, he began to belittle my friend and I’s efforts in the event. His words can still be heard in my mind today: “I’ve never seen scores lower than Tyler and *my friend.*” He continued, “they ought to be ashamed! It would have been better if they hadn’t even shown up!”

Perhaps that placed me on a trajectory of overcompensating for my failure and launching me to see how many Bible degrees I can get — of that I’m not sure. What I do know is I never participated in another Bible Bowl after that. His words stung and were that which no 10 year-old should ever have to hear (especially one attempting to grow in Bible knowledge).

We often prohibit the use of foul language in Christianity, as well we should. However we have somehow opened a door of opportunity to words that cut down, belittle, and slander others. We wouldn’t dare speak a “bad word” in the walls of a church building yet we have forgotten to blush concerning our hateful and arrogant dialect. Hateful and slanderous words aren’t good words, which leaves them to be bad words.

If I slander and abuse others with my words, my old self is revealed once more (Col. 3:8; Eph. 4:29). If I can’t be graceful in my vernacular, doors to spread the gospel will be closed (Col. 4:6). Even if I were able to instruct by way of miraculous speech, it remains futile if love is absent (1 Cor. 13:1).

We have become great at patting ourselves on the back for not saying bad words in the workforce and around the home. Yet in that effort we have forgotten what remains inclusive in “bad words.” It’s clear that Paul was adamant about the words we say. Jesus, James, and many others have likewise encouraged others to consider how they communicate their thoughts. Some 16 years later I can still hear the voice of the individual who discouraged my efforts of the Bible Bowl. May we strive to pay closer attention to that which comes from our mouths and find those who remember us for our “graceful speech.”

“A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Prov. 18:7).

Tyler King