Speaking to Edify

The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Proverbs 15:14 (RSV)

One day, a friend came to me seeking help in defining a simple and effective method for explaining the process of conversion; he wanted to avoid speaking too much during a presentation he was preparing to give. I found his request somewhat absurd, given that any presentation requires an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. It turned out, however, that he knew exactly what he wanted. It was I, in reality, who had not fully grasped the underlying intention behind his request. He knew that his audience would consist of a heterogeneous group of people with disparate levels of biblical knowledge, and he wanted to avoid questions to which he risked being unable to provide an answer. The less he spoke, the fewer questions he would provoke.

Often, in an effort to impress those around us—or those from whom we seek to gain some advantage—we launch into conversation. Lacking knowledge and a specific objective, we skim over all sorts of topics without ever saying anything truly substantial. By adopting such an attitude, we implicitly signal to others that there is no point in taking us seriously. My friend demonstrated enough discernment to recognize his own limitations and admit that he might not be able to answer every question put to him. Not only did he want to know *what* to say, but he was also keen to ensure that his message would be conveyed with the utmost simplicity.

It is highly probable that you, too, will find yourself in situations where you are called upon to speak—whether within a circle of friends or before a larger audience—and particularly if you are invited to share your testimony of faith; in such circumstances, it is always best to know both *what* to say and *how* to say it. Jesus Himself did not speak merely for the sake of speaking, nor to impress His audience. Quite the contrary: He chose His words with the utmost care, tailoring them specifically to the group He was addressing. The Sermon on the Mount stands as a living testament to this. Do not fall into the trap of believing that you already know everything; instead, exercise understanding by seeking to acquire knowledge, thereby ensuring that you possess the necessary means to truly edify your audience.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.