Unwholesome Talk
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers
Our words can take people apart much more easily than we can put them back together. Speech is a wonderful gift of God. It is one of our human capacities which reflect our likeness to God.
For our God speaks, and like him we also speak. Speech distinguishes us from the animal creation. Cows can moo, dogs bark, donkeys bray, pigs grunt, lambs bleat, lions roar, monkeys squeal and birds sing, but only human beings can speak.
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. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Unwholesome talk means corrupt, and foul. It may include dishonest, gossip, slander, unkind or vulgar that hurts or harms in some way the hearers.
Ephesians 5:4 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Why should we not let any “unwholesome talk” come out of our mouths? If we are truly a new creation of God, we shall undoubtedly develop new standards of conversation.
Matthew 12:36 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Instead of hurting people with our words, we shall want to use them to help, encourage, cheer, comfort and stimulate them.
Proverbs 12:18 18The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Another reason “unwholesome talk” should not come out of our mouths is its effect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit of God. It grieves the Spirit when we have unwholesome talk. To grieve means to cause sorrow, pain, and distress.
Since he is the ‘holy Spirit’, he is always grieved by ungodliness and since he is the ‘one Spirit’, disunity will also cause him grief. Unwholesome talk is ungodly and may cause disunity in the body of the Christ.
As we have been regenerated through salvation in Christ jesus, our life then must be in union with God through Christ. Our action, reactions, speech communication with others and our relationship with fellow men must preach peace, joy, love and edification.
Always let your speech be guided in love so as not to bring trouble upon another and also grieve the spirit of God in you.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for letting unwholesome words out of my mouth.
3. Lord, guide my mouth, fill my mouth with words of peace, love, joy and grace in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.