The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Proverb 16:23
Many people fear that honesty will cost them friendship, love or respect. So they either keep their lips zipped or say something other than what they mean. Lack of self-worth and fear of hurting someone's feelings also impede honest communication.
Christians are not immune to this problem. Trying to be both loving and truthful can be extremely difficult. The Bible, however, provides a balanced approach to this dilemma. Being honest with people may hurt, but if we speak kindly and with compassion we give them the support they need to face reality.
The third chapter of James indicates that divine wisdom can help us talk effectively, for it is "first pure, than peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (v17). Believers who let these characteristics govern their speech will not have to hide behind a wall of words.