“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29).
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” What a lie! We knew it was a lie when we sang it as children. There are still words that ring in our ears and hearts that continue to impact us today. A critical word from a parent said in a moment of anger that continues to impact our lives.
Paul continues his description of the new self with a look at the speech patterns of the new man. In 1 Corinthians 4:6 Paul says that Christian speech should be “seasoned with salt” so that it doesn’t become insipid or corrupting. Crude and foul language had been habitual for many of the recent converts to Christianity. “Unwholesome” language may be either foul language or harmful criticism whose goal is to “tear down” another.
This sort of “unwholesome speech” must be put aside and replaced with words that are “good for edification.” The speech of believers is never insipid and dull; on the contrary it is full of life and as such gives grace to those who hear. Does your language show others the grace of God? Does it build up or tear down?
Prayer: Thank You for speaking grace into my life. May my speech always be good for edification. Amen