Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
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.
In our Verse of the Day, Paul admonishes believers to exercise self-control with our mouths … and surely that is some sound advice. Foul language has no place in our lives and it is certainly unbecoming to a believer. Your Christian testimony is diminished … perhaps even disregarded before others when you cuss, curse, or use vile words. If what you have to say to another person does not encourage, teach, instruct, or build them up, then it is probably best not to say anything at all. To be caustic, demeaning, or demoralizing does not reflect reverence, love, or respect for God … nor another human being. The Apostle James also had some sharp words to address this issue:
James 3:2-11 (NIV)
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
In His own teachings, Jesus weighed in on how we speak to one another. He exhorted: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, (Citing Exodus 20:13) and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ (an Aramaic term of contempt) is answerable to the council. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Cf. Matthew 5:21-22) Indeed, it is clear that the words we speak are significant to our walk with God and exert tremendous influence on our relationships with others. As Solomon observed: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Cf. Proverbs 18:21)
I believe the application for us is evident. So, if the use of coarse joking, foul language, or demeaning and abusive words is a stronghold in your life, I pray you would consider the instruction of these men of God. Let your talk reflect your walk! God and the people around you will be much happier if you would endeavor to encourage and build others up. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 15:5; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 12:14) Yes, exercise self-control and choose to use words of kindness, gentleness, peace, patience, forgiveness, and love. (Cf. Galatians 5:22-23)
So Now You Know 