Example in Speech

1 Timothy 4:12 AMP
Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.

One of the things that caught my attention in this verse of scriptures is Paul tells Timothy to be an example not to the world but to the believers. An example is a part of or a model of something to be emulated it is a part of something taken to show a character of the whole.
Basically, Paul is telling Timothy to set the pace for the believers and I believe that applies to you and I today especially in a generation where compromise is the order of the day.
Timothy is to first be an example in speech. What we say is important because it reflects what’s in in our hearts.

Luke 6:45 AMP
45 The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.

The bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. You and I are to speak life and not death. Remember the 12 spies who were sent out to scout the land? 10 came with a negative report sowing fear into the hearts of the Israelites and that fear caused them to die in the wilderness and not to enter the Promised Land except the two who had a good faith filled report.

Ephesians 4:29 (NASB)
Let no [a]unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification [b]according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

That should be the guiding scripture each time we open our mouth to speak and may our prayer be “Lord let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Reflections
Would you be comfortable for your speech to be used as an example of how a true believer ought to speak?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If we were to take stock of your words, which would take preeminence, faith or fear?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
With your words do you build others up or tear them down?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________