Ephesians 4 - 7.4.25
Scripture: 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.”
Observation:
This is one of the verses for Christian living in this chapter of Ephesians. It seems easy to be negative but takes work to be positive. When one of my employees make a mistake, it is easy to say you made a stupid mistake or that was not very smart. One negative remark can wash away many positive remarks. Curse words and slander can have a negative effect on how non-believers view us. Think about how much you love uplifting words. It says it may benefit those who listen. It is up to the individual if they will listen and accept the benefit of a positive word.
Application:
Our best step is to start with prayer before we open our mouths. There are other verses that talk about our tongue, both positive and negative.
Psalm 15:3 - “whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”
Psalm 37:30 - “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.”
Proverbs 10:31 - “From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.”
Proverbs 11:12 - “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
Proverbs 12:18 - “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 21:23 - “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This is just a few of many scriptures about what comes out of our mouth. The amazing thing is when you benefit others, it seems to give you God’s joy in return.
Prayer
Lord, you are so loving and kind to me, may the words I speak be uplifting to those around me. Your written word benefits me Lord. Let the words out of my mouth glorify you, Jesus, and benefit those around me. On this day, the 4th of July. In Jesus name Amen.
- Robert Oberg
