So that we may avoid any embarrassment or misunderstanding about our words, consider the following rules:

1. Always be truthful. I would rather be judged harshly for having spoken the truth than be judged for having spoken a lie. One who speaks without having all the facts will surely find himself in a quagmire. His critic will seek to destroy him when he speaks the truth, even more so when his statements are not accurate.

2. Always be tactful. The dictionary defines this word as follows, "adroitness in dealing with others or with difficulties arising from personal feeling; intuitive perception of the right thing to do or say." In other words, be careful how others will respond to what you are saying. If there is any reason to believe that a statement you make will offend, if it must be said, be careful how you say it. 

3. Always use the proper tone. Sometimes we may intend for our words to mean one thing but our tone indicates another. Our children must be taught to say not only the correct words but use the proper tone. I have known a number of adults who have tried to make a legitimate, worthwhile point, yet the tone they used sounded harsh, bitter, and antagonistic.

Perhaps, as one considers these rules, he should be reminded of what the Bible teaches concerning kindness and courtesy (Eph. 4:32; 1 Pet. 3:8). Most likely there will always be some who are critical of us. However, let us never unnecessarily give our critic ammunition to fire at us. As we consider the words that come from our lips, let us be reminded of the children's song that reminds us all, "Be careful little mouth what you say." I am sure the Senator from Mississippi wishes he had done so.

I should Speak when it is True. God should not find falsehood among His people. A "lying tongue" is one of the six things our Lord hates (Pro. 6:17). "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord" (Pro. 12:22). Paul says, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another" (Eph. 4:25).

I should speak when it is Helpful. If my words are not helpful, then why speak? Paul said, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col. 4:6). We are to be a people with words that help; those that do not help do not bring solutions, but only make problems.

I should speak when it is Important. We are encouraged to speak words "fitly spoken" (Pro. 25:11). Solomon also says, "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him" (Pro. 29:20). Hasty words spoken without thought are usually not important after all. The Jews were notorious with their many words concerning swearing, which Jesus shows were unimportant: "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" (Matt. 5:37).

I should speak when it is Necessary. Solomon said, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" (Pro. 17:27). If what we have to say is not necessary, then silence should be our choice. This is why James said, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (Jas. 1:19). If words are not necessary, then they must be in vain. Job said, "Shall vain words have an end? Or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?" (Job 16:3). The Gentiles were known by their unnecessary words spoken in prayer (Matt. 6:7).

I should speak when it is Kind. My Mother's message spoken years ago is so true: "If you do not have anything kind to say, then do not say anything at all. " Solomon describes the virtuous woman thus: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" (Pro. 31:26). Cruel words hurt; kind words sooth and heal.

The next time you have an opportunity to say something, "think" and ask yourself these five questions: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it important? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Think before you speak!

Why do we have Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday? Do we have classes just because others have them? Do we have classes just so we can say that we are at least doing something? Until we come to learn the significance of them, we will not appreciate them as we should. If we appreciate them, then and only then will attitudes and attendance change for the better.

Bible classes are significant because they help promote the work of the church. The Bible classes are one avenue through which the Word of God can be taught. We certainly want to take advantage of every opportunity to teach and study from the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15; Psa. 1:1-3).

Bible classes are significant because they help provide a way for the elders "to feed" the flock. The apostle Paul, in speaking to the Ephesian elders, said, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Peter declared to the elders, "Feed the flock of God which is among you" (1 Pet. 5:2). Through our Bible classes, we are helping the elders carry out their work.

Bible classes are significant because they help produce tomorrow's elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers. We want to encourage our young people to grow up being servants of God. In our Bible classes, we are training potential soldiers in the Lord's Army. The Bible classes are helping to train the young in the way they should go (Pro. 22:6)..

Bible classes are significant because they help prevent unfaithfulness in the church. We all need encouragement in living the Christian life. Through our Bible classes, we can encourage and edify one another (Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25) to be strong in the Lord.

Bible classes are significant because they help prepare one for eternity. Who is it that has doubts about the importance of studying the Bible? We must come to understand and know God's will (John 8:32; 1 Tim. 2:4). The time we spend in studying the Bible in our classes is helping us to be prepared for eternity to come.

Are Bible classes a waste of time? I think not!