Ephesians 4:29
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. (NIV)
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (MSG)
Word Study
Unwholesome – G4911 σαπρός sapros, bad, rotten, decayed
Building – G3869 οἰκοδομή oikodomē, building, construction, a physical edifice; by extension: building up, edification, strengthening, developing another person’s life through acts and words of love and encouragement
Thoughts…
According to the Holman Concise Bible Commentary, The conclusion of chapter 4 includes ethical exhortations grounded in theological truth. Believers are to rid themselves of vices like “bitterness,” “anger,” and “slander” and instead imitate the compassionate kindness of Christ.
Have you ever tried to build a sandcastle while the tide is coming in? Have you ever tried to set up a tent while the wind is blowing? I have. It doesn’t work! You cannot something and destroy it at the same time.
Our goal is to love others and lead them to Christ. Our actions and words are our tools to help people. With these tools, we show love and grace. We help build them up and strengthen them. Cruel, hurtful, and angry words like gossip will not only destroy the person it is aimed at but it also destroys you. You destroy your ability to help that person.
Your words cannot be taken back or erased from memory. You become the wind instead of the tent maker. You darken your image and become someone no one can trust. You are no longer able to build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
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