Young People's Group

Speaking Words that Edify

by Mitchell Tan
July 22, 2020

WORDS THAT CORRUPT

Words are a powerful medium. They can either destroy a person’s faith or they can build it up. As Paul wrote about putting off the old man and becoming a new creation, one thing that he needed to deal with was the corrupt words that came forth from the mouth.

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth”
Ephesians 4:29

This was a strong entreaty by Paul to eradicate this problem. There was a time when the Ephesians were non-believers and corrupt words came forth easily from them. The word “corrupt” in Greek is the word “sapros”. It has the idea of something that is “unwholesome” or “rotten”. It can cause harm to the person who is hearing it. These “rotten” words can destroy peoples’ lives. The focus of this statement is on what is coming out of the mouth. The Lord Jesus had taught before that what comes out of the mouth of a person is what defiles him.

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.”
Matthew 15:18

It is from the heart that words proceed out of the mouth. What kind of words we speak would reflect the condition of our heart. If the heart is sinful, then the words that come forth would be corrupt. Such harmful words would not only defile the person who said them. They also corrupt the people who hear them.

WORDS THAT EDIFY

“But what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29

1. WORDS THAT MEET NEEDS

The challenge from Paul is that whenever we speak, it should be wholesome words that are relevant and encouraging. Such words are good for edification and in meeting the needs of people. When we edify each other, the body of Christ would benefit from it and seek to grow further (Ephesians 4:12).

2. WORDS THAT IMPART GRACE

The purpose of promoting and speaking good words is to give grace to people. Because they come from a heart that really appreciates the grace of God in our salvation and in His spiritual blessings, words that come forth from the mouth would be most gracious and edifying. Those who hear such godly edification would be specially blessed. There may come forth love from a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. CONDITION OF OUR HEARTS

It is from the heart that both corrupt and wholesome words come. Let’s seek to honestly evaluate the state of our hearts and seek His cleansing if need be.

2. CHOICE OF OUR WORDS

Let’s choose to speak from a heart of deep appreciation for the grace of God in our lives. May we wisely speak words that will impart grace to each other. Let’s seek to be a blessing to those who hear us whether in sharing the gospel or in exhorting one another.

Back to Article Listing