One of the more interesting uses of grace (chen) in the Old Testament is as something in, coming out of the lips:

  • “Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.” (Psalms 45:2)

 

  • “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” (Proverbs 22:11)

The first verse specifically is speaking of Jesus, and the NT says the same:

  • “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious (grace, charis) words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22)

These verses imply much more than just “pleasant”. These words coming forth with the force of grace as a blessing provide the power of grace to those who hear. Those hearing are filled with new grace, a new desire to please God and the energy to do so. As Paul exhorts:

  • “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Col 4:6)

Grace is the spice that makes people hungry for God, hungry for righteousness. It is our job to always provide that energy in all our words. Perhaps Solomon had this in mind when he wrote:

  • “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Paul was so concerned that we not waste our words:

  • “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks (εὐχαριστία eucharistia)” (Ephesians 5:4)

Yes, the “thanks” here is a modified and strengthened word from the root “charis”, grace – the word “eucharist”. Thanksgiving, blessing minister grace like nothing else.

Continue to the conclusion of this series, Grace and Faith or visit previous in series, Grace – Ministering to Others