[but set an example for the believers] … in conduct…
Summary: What we say and what we do are both important. What is best is when the two match up.
So far, the whole passage we are looking at reads:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct…”
Speech and conduct are an interesting pair. You may have heard it said about someone that they “say one thing and do another.” That is often a textbook definition of hypocrisy. It can also be an indication of other failings, like forgetfulness or simply not caring.
What we do matters.
In fact, this may be one of the most consequential concepts in the Bible. An AI analysis of the New Testament generated the following:*
How we conduct ourselves tells a story about what we believe in our hearts.
This is not about judging other people’s hearts; it is instead a way of measuring our own faithfulness to God.
Someone who loves God above all else will try to please God (Matthew 22:37-38). If I want to please God, what I do will reflect that. Because God wants me to love others as I love myself (Matthew 22:39), I will be careful that what I say and do sets a good and godly example for others.
Why should we go to the effort to try to please God? As Paul writes in another letter, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1).
Jesus tells the story of a man who had two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). He tells each son to go out and work in the father’s vineyard. The first son says, “No,” but ends up going and doing what his father asked. The second one says, “Yes,” but does not go.
In one sense, both of the sons qualify as hypocrites. Yet in God’s eyes, they are not the same. Jesus’ follow-up question is simple. He asks, “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (Matthew 21:31).
In this example, what we do is more important than what we say.
Application: Live your faith in what you do.
Food for Thought: What is something we do every day that reflects our faith to others?
*ChatGPT response to the prompt: “How much of the New Testament has to do with the relationship between what we say and what we do?” May 27, 2026.
What is something we do every day that reflects our faith to others?
When we walk with the Spirit and abide in Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit grows from within us. It changes the things we choose to do and the way we do them.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
I also think it is fair to say that someone who lives their daily life with these qualities stands out from most people, and when others encounter someone like that, it serves as an invitation to ask “why?” For followers of Christ, it then becomes an opportunity to share the hope that is them. Honoring Christ as holy is foundational to living in the hope that He has brought to us.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
I would then say that honoring Christ everyday (and all day) as holy reflects our faith to others. Honoring Christ as holy centers our thoughts, words and deeds on Him. Then our faith in Him lives in the work we do in his name.
We are able to show love and kindness:
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
We are able to live honestly and with integrity:
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
We are able to speak with grace and encouragement:
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
We are able to live patiently and with peace:
Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Thank you, Chris!
Excellent list and references!
Good comments and verses CH. My mind first went where yours did with the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5: 22 – 23.
Ephesians 4: 29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Thanks, Rich!
Good verse! Yes, building others up is counter-intuitive to the world at large. That will stand out.
Great question, well covered by CH and R.
🙂