Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up. – Ephesians 4:29
There is a word used by both Paul and Jesus (Matthew 12:33-37) that today’s verse translates as “corrupt.” The Greek word is sapros, and it references something of poor quality, unfit for use, rotten or putrid. It is not by accident that Paul says you shouldn’t let words like that be spoken. “Let not” means you have a choice! Some believers sing praises to the Lord in church, speaking “wholesomely” to each other before or after service, but indulge in sapros speech at home, work, or school.
In Luke 6:45, Jesus says it is “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Proverbs 4:23 cautions that you should “keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor for we are members one of another.”
Pray for the Lord to search your heart and see if there is anything there that grieves Him (Psalm 139:23-24). Ask Him to help you develop more compassion and kindness, and be quick to forgive. Be intentional with your words. Give your heart more time with the Lord, His Word, in prayer and praise. Pray for all in public office in Washington to consider their words before they speak, for the power of life and death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) and he who guards his words keeps his soul from danger (Proverbs 21:23).
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 4:22-32
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
