What Do You Say?

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29

Sing them over again to me,
wonderful words of life;
let me more of their beauty see,
wonderful words of life;
words of life and beauty,
teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.¹

Have you ever been running errands and overheard people talking about Jesus or their faith? It’s uplifting, isn’t it?

Believers love crossing paths with other believers, whether directly or indirectly. They don’t spend every waking moment talking about their faith or even Jesus. But many committed Christians reveal God’s Spirit in ordinary conversation.

These lovely souls seem to elevate others and honor the Lord with what they say. Because of that, they sometimes share the Gospel with lost people without even knowing it.

You never know who is listening.

Conversely, some believers are in a terrible rut of negativity and gloom. God’s children can become ensnared by constantly talking about the darkness in the world, complaining about other believers, using vile language or any number of worthless verbal habits.

These behaviors can take a toll on Christians who disconnect spiritually.

Our God can restore these tattered lives, and He will. True believers cannot stay stuck in any sinful habit forever. (1 John 3:9)

There is a warning from our old friend, the apostle, Paul.

“…and don’t give place to the devil.”

Ephesians 4:27

Now, in context that verse follows the admonishment about dealing quickly with angry feelings. But this warning is also useful to consider when we think about our conversational habits.

The things we talk about can actually glorify our adversary and dishonor our Savior. Engaging in worthless or vile conversation for any reason actually “gives place to the devil.“

Let the people who cross your path hear Jesus- (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

Godly speech should mark every believer.

Look what Paul says about our speech.

“and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

Ephesians 4:24 & 25

“Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14

One way to resist the urge to talk about worthless things is to wake up each morning and, before getting out of bed, remember what Jesus taught the disciples about prayer.

Do you remember the first petition in the Lord’s Prayer? (Matthew 6:9-13)

The first petition was not “Thy Kingdom come,” but “hallowed be Thy name.” Jesus reminded us to pray for the Lord to help honor His name in every word, thought, and deed.

What a remarkable habit to be in. God is faithful to answer all of our prayers, and when we pray such an honorable prayer, He surely will help us to live rightly before Him.

Here is the end of Ephesians 4. This is a great passage to teach your children and share with other believers.

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.  

Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. 

And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

1. Wonderful Words of Life
   Philip P. Bliss
   ca. 1874
   Public Domain ↩︎