Plain Speaking

Some years ago, I saw an amusing wall a plaque for sale.  It read something like this:

I know you understand what you think I said,

but I’m not sure you understand what I think it was that I said.

I have found that one of the hardest things to do in life is to convey an idea intact from one human being to another.  We can say it, write it, and use pictures, graphs, charts, and illustrations, to name a few.  However, it takes a great deal of effort to communicate in a way that is fully understood; if that is possible.  The diversity of the languages and dialects we speak only makes things worse.

I have been taught that communication should be clear, concise, correct, and complete.  I have observed that the public schools no longer teach people how to write.

Jesus said:

But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.'

For whatever is more than these

is from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37 NKJV)

https://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/matthew/5.html

Taken in context, Jesus was speaking about swearing an oath.  A more general application to cursing and forward speech has often been applied.  The idea that we should communicate carefully is supported by other scriptures:

If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man

 able also to bridle the whole body.

Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us,

and we turn their whole body.

Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds,

they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.

The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body,

and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

For every kind of beast and bird, or reptile and creature of the sea,

is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

 But no man can tame the tongue.

It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men,

who have been made in the similitude of God.

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.

My brethren, these things ought not to be so.  (James 3:2-10 NKJV)

https://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/james/3.html

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverted mouth, I hate.  (Proverbs 8:13 NASB)

https://www.biblestudytools.com/nas/proverbs/8.html  

I am as culpable as anyone, and I will do better.  Forward, flamboyant speech depends on the reader or listener to be able to apprehend its intent and true meaning.  Consequently, it is often misinterpreted and misunderstood.  People like it because it is colorful and interesting.  At its root, however, we often find pride of opinion.