No Corrupt Words (Ephesians 4:29)

A sister in Jesus Christ emailed me a few years ago to invite me to an event that she thought I may be interested in attending. I declined because of prior commitments but inquired about her recent activities since I had not seen her for awhile. After updating me, I asked if I could pray specifically for any area in her life. She quoted the following verse from Ephesians.

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 (NKJV)

This verse has spoken to me so many times since she brought it to my attention. It is on my office wall next to my door, in ready view whenever I exit. It is also in clear view as I sit at my teaching microscope. Why? I am very prone to gossip. It may not be as blatant and vulgar as, “Guess what I heard?” It may not be as veiled as, “Well, I really shouldn’t say this, because I don’t want to say something that may be misinterpreted.” Oh no. My gossip is far more insidious. I may say things like, “Well, you can ask Stuart, but he is known to only look out for his own interests.” or, “Jake is a great guy, but not someone who can be trusted to complete the job.” I can convince myself that I am not gossiping but casting shades of aspersions upon another is just as damaging as throwing acid. God holds me accountable for every word I speak.

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV)

My dear sister in the Lord gave me an important reminder that I must have no corrupt words in my speech. I must seek to edify others, not tear them down. I can do this through the power of the Holy Spirit, always guarding my speech. I can do this because I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and have taken my sins to Him and asked him for repentance and forgiveness. I can do this because every word I speak will be replayed before Him in Heaven, and I will be held accountable.

Dear Jesus, help me to control my speech to honor You and not denigrate others.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.