Christian Living
November 17, 2011 – Idle and Evil Words
29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. – Ephesians 4:29 AMP
Paul is telling Christians in this verse to basically watch their mouth. We should only say things that are good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others. What exactly does that mean? Does it mean we have to go around and always have a Scripture of the day to quote to everyone we meet? Nope. It means we have to guard our mouth and watch what we say.
I love to tell jokes and even funny stories. In my unsaved days, if these anecdotes required the use of profanity, it didn’t matter to me. After I was saved I required myself to be more tactful and not use profane language. My stories would then contain enough innuendo for me to justify that I didn’t say anything harmful. But if those listening understood my insinuation, then their mind went straight to the same gutter as mine. It was dangerous and destructive for me and those listening. I thank God that He has helped me rid myself of that problem.
Do you have the same problem I had? Do you speak inappropriately to others? Such language, whether it’s profanity, sexual innuendo, or speaking abusively is all worthless in God’s eyes because it does not benefit others. However, like every infomercial you have ever seen, there’s more.
8 But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! 10 Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. – James 3:8-10 AMP
Jesus’ brother James knew the dangers of the tongue. Telling inappropriate jokes may not be cursing man, but it is damaging. But do you gossip? When people gossip they spread lies about others. When you lie about someone are you not cursing them in the eyes their peers? I have been guilty of this in the past as I am sure many others have. Gossiping is speaking evil about someone and is not beneficial to the spiritual progress of others.
But wait, there’s still more. I am sure some would like to read between these lines of Paul and draw a twisted conclusion. You may think that since you can only contribute to one’s spiritual progress that is would be perfectly fine to have unsaved friends to curse and gossip around. After all, they don’t have a relationship with God, so why should you be concerned about them growing closer to God? Look at this verse first.
33 Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. – 1 Corinthians 15:33 AMP
If you think that you can befriend an unsaved neighbor or co-worker and not be influenced by their lifestyle, think again. You can contribute to their spiritual growth by living a godly life. But you cannot put yourself into their world and expect to change them. By living for God, they should see something in your life that’s missing in their own life. When that happens, you won’t have to go to them; they’ll come to you. And it won’t be something you did; it will be God working in their life. And it can all start through your speech. Speak kindly to them. Don’t listen to their profane and perverse language. Don’t gossip or listen to their gossip. Look what Jesus says about our words.
34 You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.
35 The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. 36 But I tell you, on the Day of Judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. – Matthew 12:34-37 AMP
Do you want to be justified or condemned? I know what I want!
Father God, forgive me for every idle, worthless, and evil word I have ever spoken in my life. Help and guide me in my every step. Keep watch over my heart and set a guard over my mouth. Thank you for changing me forever. I ask for these things and thank You and praise You in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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