Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
In Ephesians 4 believers learn that there is to be a difference in how one lives. From verse 1 the believer is “to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called!” From verse 17 the believer no longer walks as the rest of the Gentiles walk, “in the futility of their mind.” In verse 22 the believer is to “put off the former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,” In verse 24 the believer is “to put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Without question, the believer lives differently.
One may ask then how does one live differently? There are several answers in Ephesians 4.
Ephesians 4:25 tells us to stop lying
Ephesians 4:26 we are to stop losing our temper.
Ephesians 4:28 we are to stop stealing and go to work, so we can earn an income to live and give.
From Ephesians 4:29 we live differently with our conversation. A life changed by Christ means our communication changes. Instead of corrupt, rotten, unwholesome, filthy communication coming out of our mouths that harms others, we have clean, wholesome, edifying language that helps people. Our words convey respect for and the dignity of people. Instead of using words to tear people down, the believer carefully chooses words to build others up!
Jesus takes very seriously what we say about others. From Matthew 5:21-22 He said, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Are you careless with your words as you speak to and about others?
Are your words corrupt? Do you call people names that are not fitting? Does your word devalue another person?
Are you cruel with your words as you speak to and about others?
Let us remember that our words, in so many ways, reveal our hearts. It goes to reason that a clean heart will bring forth clean words and a dirty heart brings forth dirty words.
What are your words saying to others about your heart?
What are your words doing for the listener? Are they built up by your words or torn down by your words? Are they harmed or helped?
If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything!
A great prayer to pray is Psalm 19:14. It says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Continue Strong building others up with wholesome words,
And remember to DATE the Word
Bonus: In the 4th month of the year, April, we are extending a 4 x 4 challenge and encouraging you to read a chapter 4 each day of April. For April 29 we challenge you to read Acts 4.