Modesty - Speech

By Jerry Price - Apr 3, 2006 - comment

“Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense” [Wentworth Dillon, 4th Earl of Roscommon, Essay on Translated Verse (l. 113)]

Quotations on Modesty (Giga Quotes) [Accessed November 11, 2005

“We must be modest in our words. What is spoken; how it is spoken; and to whom it is spoken, are three considerations relative to modesty . . . Dirty jokes, as they are called, are not funny. Anything ‘off-color’ should be avoided, especially when in mixed company. We should never suggest anything impure, sensual, or base. All that we say should have the scent of grace and gratitude upon it. ‘And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him’ (Colossians 3:17). If what you have to say could not be spoken in God’s presence, it is better left unsaid . . . When it comes to modest speech, two general rules are helpful. One is, think before you speak. Remember, words are like plucked feathers. Once cast to the wind they can’t be recovered. And second, intimate matters should stay at home . . . a man and a woman who are not married ‘should avoid talking about intimate subjects . . . They can discuss politics, art, business, or sports but should avoid topics that may initiate or strengthen feelings of sexuality.’ The best policy is always to err on the side of reserve. The wise person studies how to answer.”

David and Diane Vaughn, The Beauty of Modesty: Cultivating Virtue in the Face of a Vulgar Culture (Nashville: Candlewick Press, 2005), 103-105.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Family, Sexual Purity, Modesty

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