The Romans were practical people who believed talk was cheap and actions are what matter because sometimes actions do speak louder than words. Did not Pilate ask Jesus, "What did you do?" and not "What did you say?" If we don't make good on our talk it is cheap and we lose the validity of our testimony. Most people that believe talk is cheap are those who don't know how to talk or haven't acquired the skill to converse intelligibly. It is a matter of mutuality or give and take, listening and talking because there are times when listening is a better skill and more valuable than speaking. We may need someone to listen to us at times of need and God can give us a word of encouragement, and it is a gift to be able to speak a word in season and to know how to comfort someone in their loss.
Talk can be therapeutic, too. People that have problems need to talk them out and resolve personal issues together with other peers or trusted counselors. To give someone the silent treatment is one of the cruelest forms of punishment because it cuts him off from communication and fellowship. All believers need the fellowship of their brethren and no one is a rock or island in need of no friends. Like the song by The Beatles, "I Get Along With A Little Help By My Friends." People who need people, it is said in another song, are the happiest people. Personally, I can testify that there have been periods in my life when I just wanted "talk therapy" and needed to talk out my problems and to get some empathy or sympathy. I have been to the point of such loneliness that I was desperate to talk to even anyone.
We relate to one another by communicating not by doing works, which are a validation of our witness, and show that our faith is real. Like Paul would say, "I will show you my good deeds by my faith," and James would say, "I will show you my faith by my good deeds." They go together and can be distinguished, but not separated--you cannot have one without the other and works and faith are each other's flip side. One work we are commanded to do is to witness of our conversion and of the gospel message and this is via words, not actions, through our actions prove our witness is real to us and show the gospel in shoe leather.
Talk can be cheap if it isn't backed up by a testimony that isn't jeopardized and is without hypocrisy. It can be empty talk that has no inner meaning or edifying or redeeming value to the listener. Some people know how to talk so well that their talk is their profession and they heard no matter the season because they have proved themselves or have the training and experience to back it up. We all want to hear from someone who has been there and done that or has learned through the school of hard knocks and has a story. A person with a message to relate will always find hearers.
We earn the right to be heard and no one is obligated to listen to us if we haven't earned this privilege. People who are good talkers have learned to be good listeners first and have often learned the hard way and not just through books. Scholars don't necessarily have all the answers either; it is a matter of knowing God and having the gift of wisdom that He alone can bestow. Soli Deo Gloria!
Talk can be therapeutic, too. People that have problems need to talk them out and resolve personal issues together with other peers or trusted counselors. To give someone the silent treatment is one of the cruelest forms of punishment because it cuts him off from communication and fellowship. All believers need the fellowship of their brethren and no one is a rock or island in need of no friends. Like the song by The Beatles, "I Get Along With A Little Help By My Friends." People who need people, it is said in another song, are the happiest people. Personally, I can testify that there have been periods in my life when I just wanted "talk therapy" and needed to talk out my problems and to get some empathy or sympathy. I have been to the point of such loneliness that I was desperate to talk to even anyone.
We relate to one another by communicating not by doing works, which are a validation of our witness, and show that our faith is real. Like Paul would say, "I will show you my good deeds by my faith," and James would say, "I will show you my faith by my good deeds." They go together and can be distinguished, but not separated--you cannot have one without the other and works and faith are each other's flip side. One work we are commanded to do is to witness of our conversion and of the gospel message and this is via words, not actions, through our actions prove our witness is real to us and show the gospel in shoe leather.
Talk can be cheap if it isn't backed up by a testimony that isn't jeopardized and is without hypocrisy. It can be empty talk that has no inner meaning or edifying or redeeming value to the listener. Some people know how to talk so well that their talk is their profession and they heard no matter the season because they have proved themselves or have the training and experience to back it up. We all want to hear from someone who has been there and done that or has learned through the school of hard knocks and has a story. A person with a message to relate will always find hearers.
We earn the right to be heard and no one is obligated to listen to us if we haven't earned this privilege. People who are good talkers have learned to be good listeners first and have often learned the hard way and not just through books. Scholars don't necessarily have all the answers either; it is a matter of knowing God and having the gift of wisdom that He alone can bestow. Soli Deo Gloria!