Our Words Have A Powerful Effect On Others

-September 19, 2021-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

(Ephesians 4:29).

Our words have the potential for great blessing or great harm. Paul wanted the saints in Ephesus to grasp that concept. We have before us both the negative and the positive, as is the case so often in the Scriptures. First the warning against corrupt words that tear down; then we have the edifying words that encourage and build up.

Words are very powerful for the bad or for the good. James spoke of the harmful effects of the tongue in James chapter 2. Paul wrote, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” Before we were saved, our tongues spewed evil, vile, lying, and despicable things. But now that we know the Lord and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we choose our words.

In the New American Standard Bible, the word unwholesome is used. Nowadays people are very health conscious and do not want to put anything unwholesome into their bodies; that is a very good thing. Words come from our mind and heart and defile us. We must guard against profanity, off color jokes or comments, sarcasm, and comments harmful to others based on their race or gender. So many have lost their jobs in disgrace over comments that they made. Our bad words have a bad affect on those who hear them.

We all want to be a blessing, to point people to Jesus, and encourage and build up others. The word edify is defined as, “to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge.” It has to do with building up, establishing, and encouraging others. It involves positivity over negativity. Just think of the sheer number of words we speak on a daily basis. Once we say something, good or bad, we can’t take back the words.

When we do say something bad, we must ask the Lord and those whom we offended to forgive us. When we say something good, we are assured that the words will do good to others. Good words lead to necessary edification and impart grace to the hearers.

We as believers don’t often realize how many people hear what we say and how we say it. Paul wrote in Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside (i.e. unsaved people), redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Let us avoid angry, hurtful, lying, and destructive words and speak words of love, grace, truth, and encouragement.

Have a blessed day speaking positive, edifying, truthful, and encouraging words. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean