“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”--Ephesians 4:29
Isn’t it sad to think that nowadays, the primary form of communicating in the world is through social media posts and texts? Phone calls and human contact are seen as inconsequential by many, as unnecessary, taking too much of our time and effort, and basically seen as just a waste of time.
During my graduate program, I was in a group assigned to study and research the reliability of texts and emails in accurately communicating the tones and meaning of messages. Our group’s findings indicated that this is most likely the worst possible way to communicate because it leaves much room for misinterpretation.
We also found that the best way to convey what we’re really trying to say is to insert numerous emojis, which attempt to communicate the intended meaning of our messages.
Looking at the findings of our study, it’s no wonder the world is in its present verbally explosive chaos.
The saying “talk is cheap” probably hasn’t been more true than in today’s ultrasocial media atmosphere. Words are carelessly fired out without much thought and possible repercussions, backlash, and consequences.
Hidden behind phone and computer keys, individuals type and send wounding words out, like loaded weapons, abundantly and haphazardly, into space.
Still, even if people may think talk is cheap, God doesn’t agree. Rather, it’s one of the most costly things we have to give.
God has a very different outlook on the words we speak into the world. Whereas people may think they’re just throwing them out into hyperspace, never to return, God is hanging on to every word we speak.
Matthew 12:36 reminds us, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
Our mouth is not to be underrated; it holds a dangerous weapon, as James 4:6 describes: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
Words are much weightier than most believe. In Matthew 12:37, Jesus assures, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
We’re especially urged in Colossians 3:8, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
As well, “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” (Ephesians 4:29).
Words in our world today hold so much more weight than most people understand. As James 4:11 reveals, “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
If individuals truly understood, it would most likely temper the words we speak. Jesus, in Matthew 7:2, warned, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
As well, in Luke 6:37, He taught, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Words we key in secret aren’t secret to God. He doesn’t miss a one of them, in case we wondered. Ecclesiastes 12:14 tells us, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
More than ever, for eternal reasons, God calls us to choose our words wisely. Proverbs 15:28 explains, “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Put a guard over my heart that guides my mouth and hands in the words I speak and send out into the world. Let my words be led by You, pleasing and honoring in Your sight.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/People Images
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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Originally published Monday, 30 September 2024.
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