I have a friend who routinely texts me throughout the week, letting me know she is praying for me and loves me, and at the end of each text, she leaves a Bible reference. Last week, I was sitting in the middle of one of the multitude of meetings I have to endure as a Government employee and a text from her came in with the Bible reference, Job 35:16. Trying anything to release myself from the tedium of the meeting, I discreetly pulled up my Bible app on my smartphone and looked the verse up:
Job 35:16 (NIV) 16 So Job opens his mouth with empty talk; without knowledge he multiplies words."
I talked to my friend after the meeting, and I think she had sent the wrong reference. She had meant to send another verse to encourage me that day, but God had her send this one instead.
For a long time after the meeting, I pondered what God was trying to tell me through this verse. Am I as guilty as Job? Is my talk empty when I speak? Do I speak volumes without knowledge just to hear myself talk?
Certainly, in the midst of the meetings I have to attend, meaningless and empty talk often take center-stage. Government meetings rarely result in meaningful action, but typically are filled with empty talk and posturing by participants in an attempt to elevate their status and importance among the senior leadership. I know this. I attend these meetings. I participate in these meetings. But I never considered whether I was just another of the sycophants who fill up the table each time. In my mind, I was better, but this verse caused me to really look at who I am and what I do when I attend these meetings.
But worse than that, I had to consider the all too-real concern that my everyday talks and communications around the office were filled with empty talk and voluminous speech. Was I representing God through my words? Was I sharing God's grace and love in the office, or did my witness hurt the cause of Christ?
Empty words and speaking without knowledge are dangers to Christians. The Bible tells us that we will have to account for every idle word. As Christians we are ambassadors for Christ. We are to represent Him, not only on Sundays, but everyday and in every way -- in action, in deeds, and in words. This verse from my friend caused me pause and made me stop to think about what I was doing and saying in the office on a regular basis. Was I truly living out the Christian life and speaking words of hope and purpose and meaning even in the office, or was I merely participating in the office gossip and meaningless talk that fills our every day?
This verse, although it may have been unintended by my friend, has caused me to stop and think before I speak and to pause before I hit "send" on my e-mail. As conversations have swirled around me, I have tried to ask myself, "Would Jesus stand here and participate in this conversation? Would Jesus talk about another person in this way? Would Jesus discuss this subject?" I have intentionally walked away from conversations this week that I felt were empty, vain, or hurtful, even though, if I am honest, I would have to admit I would have participated in before.
This verse is now posted on my computer along with this prayer: "God, if my talk is empty, please stop me from speaking and give me the words of grace and hope and meaning you would have me share instead. Let my words be based on knowledge and understanding, and let me share your message with every breath."
