How Can We Speak Words That Are Upright and True?

The Importance of Speaking with Integrity

The ability to communicate is one of the greatest gifts Jehovah has given humanity. Words have the power to heal or to harm, to build up or to tear down, to convey truth or to spread deception. In Ecclesiastes 12:10, Solomon wrote, “The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.” This verse highlights the importance of carefully choosing words that reflect honesty, wisdom, and righteousness. Solomon, known for his wisdom, did not speak or write carelessly; he sought out words that would be beneficial and true. This example teaches believers that their speech should be purposeful and grounded in integrity.

Jehovah himself is a God of truth. Numbers 23:19 declares, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Because Jehovah is truthful in all he says and does, those who follow him must likewise commit themselves to speaking in a manner that reflects his character. Dishonesty, exaggeration, and misleading speech are incompatible with a life devoted to Jehovah. Jesus reinforced this principle when he said in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” These words remind believers that integrity in speech is not just about avoiding outright lies—it also means speaking with clarity, sincerity, and trustworthiness.

The Power of Words to Influence Others

The words a person chooses can have a lasting impact on those who hear them. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse emphasizes that speech is not a neutral act; it carries the potential to bring either blessing or destruction. Encouraging words can strengthen the weak, guide the lost, and uplift the brokenhearted, while careless or deceitful words can mislead, discourage, and cause harm.

James, the brother of Jesus, warned about the dangers of reckless speech. In James 3:5-6, he wrote, “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” This passage illustrates how easily words can spiral out of control and cause damage beyond what was intended. A single careless comment can destroy relationships, ruin reputations, and plant seeds of doubt or bitterness in the hearts of others. Because of this, believers must be diligent in guarding their speech.

On the other hand, words spoken in truth and righteousness can bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 states, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Just as a sword can cut deeply, reckless words can inflict wounds that take years to heal. But when words are chosen carefully—spoken with love, wisdom, and honesty—they can strengthen the faith of others, bring comfort in difficult times, and lead people closer to Jehovah.

The Need for Discernment in Speech

While truth is essential, it must always be delivered with wisdom. Speaking the right words at the wrong time can be as harmful as speaking falsehood. Ecclesiastes 3:7 states, “A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” This verse acknowledges that wisdom includes knowing when to remain silent and when to offer words of instruction or correction. Even words that are true can cause harm if spoken in a harsh, impatient, or prideful manner.

Jesus exemplified this balance in his ministry. He spoke truth boldly, yet he also showed discernment in how he addressed different audiences. To the self-righteous Pharisees, he delivered strong rebukes, exposing their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28). But to those who were genuinely seeking Jehovah, he spoke with patience and compassion, inviting them to learn from him (Matthew 11:28-30). Believers must follow this example by ensuring that their speech is not only truthful but also appropriate to the situation and delivered with love.

Colossians 4:6 provides a helpful guideline: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” This verse teaches that speech should be both gracious and impactful. “Seasoned with salt” implies that words should be carefully chosen to provide value and preservation, much like salt enhances and preserves food. This does not mean compromising truth to avoid offending others, but rather ensuring that the way truth is spoken reflects Jehovah’s wisdom and love.

Using Speech to Glorify Jehovah

Since words hold such power, they should ultimately be used to glorify Jehovah and bring honor to his name. Psalm 19:14 expresses this desire, stating, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Jehovah, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Speech should not be careless, thoughtless, or self-serving; it should be a reflection of Jehovah’s righteousness.

One of the greatest ways to use speech for Jehovah’s glory is by sharing his Word with others. Romans 10:14 states, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The ability to speak truth is a responsibility, not just a privilege. When believers use their words to share the gospel, encourage fellow Christians, and teach others about Jehovah’s ways, they are fulfilling a vital role in his kingdom.

Furthermore, avoiding corrupt and useless speech is just as important as speaking what is right. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse serves as a reminder that words should not be wasted on gossip, slander, or meaningless chatter but should be used for edification.

Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 12:10 teaches that the wise carefully choose words that are upright and true. Jehovah, as the God of truth, expects his people to reflect his nature by speaking with integrity, wisdom, and purpose. Words hold tremendous power—they can uplift or destroy, heal or harm, lead to righteousness or lead astray. Because of this, believers must be diligent in guarding their speech, ensuring that their words glorify Jehovah and edify others.

Speaking truth is not simply about avoiding lies; it is about aligning one’s speech with the wisdom and righteousness of Jehovah. When believers seek to use their words for his glory—whether in teaching, encouraging, or simply in daily conversation—they fulfill the biblical command to let their speech be both truthful and beneficial. Every word spoken is an opportunity to reflect the wisdom that Solomon pursued, the integrity that Jesus demonstrated, and the faithfulness that Jehovah desires from his people.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).