There is a true proverb of the world that states: ‘It is easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled’. The human heart naturally recoils from humility, and pride forbids men from departing from what they have learned. As such, bringing truth to a man is never an easy task.
The servant of God is called to ‘sound speech, that cannot be condemned’ (Titus 2:8). While this applies to the doctrinal integrity of our discourses, Paul’s words also bear upon the way in which we speak. It is written that ‘grievous words stir up anger’ (Proverbs 15:1). If by rough words we wound the heart, the mind will be deafened to even the soundest arguments. Shedding light upon Paul’s injunction, Solomon states that a teacher’s greatest asset is the right use of his lips:
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Proverbs 16:21
Among all the prophets and apostles, no man spoke with a more disarming sweetness than did the Lord Jesus Christ. During His preaching at His native town of Nazareth, Jesus bore to the Jews a most bitter message in words of irresistible sweetness. Upon ascending the pulpit, the Lord read a prophecy from Isaiah concerning the Messiah’s mission. Having finished the reading, Jesus took His seat, and ‘the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him’ (Luke 4:20). Then, Jesus ‘began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears’ (Luke 4:21).
The Jews had been deceived regarding the true nature of the Messiah’s mission. It was a nationally cherished sentiment that Christ would appear at the head of an army and deliver to them the riches and power of their Roman conquerors. Yet the exposition of this prophecy burst their vainglorious bubble. The Messiah’s mission was not to raise their earthly estate, but their spiritual condition. They were revealed to be spiritually impoverished, blind to truth, enslaved to sin, and in dire need of heart restoration.
Since Luke only records what Jesus ‘began to say’, it is likely that more than what is recorded was said during that sermon. While none of the gospels elaborate on this, Luke testifies to the powerful effect Jesus’ words had upon the hearers:
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth… Luke 4:22
Even though it was the most unwelcome message His hearers could possibly have heard, the sweetness of Jesus’ words allowed it to sink to the bottom of their hearts and souls. Their consciences bore witness that the application He had made of this prophecy was correct. Had their idol been attacked with abrupt or careless talk, they would have been deprived of seeing themselves as they really were. Although this conviction soured into a murderous rage, the sweetness in which Jesus had taught had given them the greatest opportunity to believe.
The wise in heart will be prudent to follow the example of their Master. They will be sensitive to the sensitivities of those whom they seek to teach. Through the sweetness of their lips, they will increase the learning of those they seek to instruct, rather than turn hearts away from the truth by bitter words.
Christopher Sparks