In Mark’s record (chapter 15) of Christ’s trial before the Sanhedrin there is an interesting contrast.
In v60-61 the high priest put this question to Jesus; “are you not going to answer?” when presented with contradictory accusations. Jesus “remained silent and gave no answer.”
In v61-62, the same high priest put a different question: “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” This question merited a clear positive answer. “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
In one moment, Christ was silent, refusing to answer the accusations brought against Him. Apparently, moments later, He responded directly to the high priest’s question, effectively ensuring His own condemnation to death (v63).
Elsewhere Christ answered cryptically (Mark 11.27-33). Sometimes He told a story or gave a parable in response to questions. Careful study also reveals that Christ was very aware of His audience. His words to the Twelve are quite different to those addressed to the Pharisees, for example.
This is a big topic! What we say matters. A reputation can be destroyed, a heart broken, or deep hurts mended, each with a few words. James points at the frequent inconsistency of the human tongue: “out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” It seems scarcely necessary for him to add; “this should not be” (James 3.10).
I would add, in the modern world of social media, there is an apparently never-ending torrent of trivia; an army of ‘trolls,’ with their fake news, bitter cynicism, and appalling abuse.
Returning to the most perfect of examples, Jesus Christ. “Grace from His lips doth fly,” is the start of the Scottish Psalms version of Psalm 45.
His words were always excellent, fit for the moment, apt for His audience. Blessing the widow and the sobbing child, rebuking the hypocrite, silencing the religious formalist and legalist; encouraging and inspiring His small band of nervous followers.
The command is both obvious and awesome – be like Christ. “As He is so are we in this world” (1 John 4.17).
Our prayer, each day, each hour, each moment, is simple – that we might carry the very words of Christ on our lips.
We need to fuel the fire, to sharpen the blade; study His words. Read and re-read the gospels. Stop at Christ’s words. Study the occasion. Where, who, why, when?
When Paul writes to the Philippians, he encourages them to “hold out the word of life” (Phil 2.16). The verb ‘hold out’ means to ‘echo forth.’ What we have heard we re-say.