“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good
for neccessary edificatoin, that it may impart grace to the hearers”
– Ephesians 4:29 –
In some countries, a popular expression is used: “His tongue must be connected to his foot because every time he speaks, he sticks his foot in his mouth.” This implies that speaking badly is connected to acting badly.
In today’s text, Paul says no corrupt words (i.e. something spoiled, worthless, or smelling bad) should come out of your mouth. Words do not oroginate in the mouth. Jesus Himself said that “out of the abundance of the heart speaks the mouth” (Matt. 12:34). Christ’s grace changes the whole person, even your way of speaking.
The sinner has a closed mouth with regard to God. The believer has an open mouth that praises, testifies, and glorifies God. Paul knew this from his own experience, when he went from speaking threats and deaths against Christians to opening his mouth to clearly proclaim salvation in Christ. We go from rotten words which sicken and kill, to mature words which heal and give life.
Peter was identified as a disciple and had to curse anf utter words to show that he had nothing to do with the crucified one.
There are many who are influenced for good or for evil as a result of everything we express. Considering this, Robert Wong recommends these steps: Think, Observe, Listen, and only after, Speak. We have a mind to think, eyes to observe, ears to hear, and a mouth to speak. Then, and only then, are we in a position to convey something meaningful.
To think is to meditate, pray, and communicate with God. To observe is to be attentive to the things that happen both in the world, and where you live, and their relationship to the prophecies in the Bible. Listening is paying attention to what God says through His Word. This allows us to understand, comprehend, and enables us to speak with meaning and significance. Only then are we able to speak, with substance, science, mind, and heart.
The remedy is that the heart be filled with the love of Christ. Words have power, either for good or evil. Paul states that we should speak in such a way that what we say builds up others.
With Christ, our words can heal rather than hurt, bless instead of curse,
build instead of destroying, and comfort rather than accuse.
Always speak words of life, and connect your heart
with God’s heart and your tongue with your heart.
Be blessed…