“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” (Ephesians 4:29).
God has a lot to say about what we say! There is a host of verses in Proverbs related to the tongue, lips, words, speech, etc., that govern the use and misuse of the gift God has given us to communicate. James 3:1-12 is an extended passage on the tongue. Jesus Himself had much to say about how we use our words. Words are a frequent topic in the Scriptures.
In Ephesians 4:29, Paul identifies certain words as “corrupt” (sapros), meaning that which is foul or rotten, such as spoiled fruit or putrid meat. Certainly, foul language should never pass through a Christian’s lips, because it is totally out of character with his new life in Christ. No believer should be guilty of using foul or filthy language.
The word “corrupt” also can mean “worthless.” Language doesn’t have to be filthy to be worthless or of no value. This includes such things as gossip, backbiting, slander, critical and cutting remarks, and any and all speech that is designed to tear down or inflict hurt and damage. Worthless speech should have no place in the Christian’s life.
Wrong words reveal a wrong heart. Bitter water comes from a bitter fountain. Worthless conversation is a contradiction and misrepresentation of true Christianity. We need to pray with David, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Over against the vice of corrupt communication Paul presents the virtue of “that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” The Christian’s speech should be instructive, encouraging, and uplifting — even when it must be corrective. We should use only helpful words, the kind that edify and provide what is needed. We should be concerned that our words build up rather than tear down and that our speech fills needs rather than increasing them. The goal is that our communication will “minister grace” to everyone who hears.
Because believers have been saved by grace and kept by grace, they should live and speak with grace. The Lord Jesus Christ set the example for us, for in Luke 4:22a the Bible tells us, “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.”
Paul adds, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). Our speech, just like everything else in the Christian life, should be under the Spirit’s control, and thus it can and should be a means of blessing the lives of others.
“Dear Lord, please forgive me for the many times my speech has been rotten and worthless, and please help me to use my tongue in such a way that others are edified and You are glorified. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”