Our verse of the Week: July 9th

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." (NIV)

Kay M.

I have found this scripture to be an admonishment to me from the Lord on many occasions in my adult Christian life. Not only the obvious speech issues but the less obvious "unwholesome talk". I mean talk that is contrary to the principles by which we Christians are called to live. I refer to "fear talk, bad report talk, faithless talk, expectation of evil and not good talk." These are all unwholesome talk, not building others up nor being beneficial to others nor ourselves. I work on this daily and by the grace of God will continue to grow in wholesome speech.

Thea N.

 This is a call for our tongues to be sanctified--set apa...rt for the Word and the praise of our God, and the building and benefit of His Kingdom. And the use of our words for any other reason? Well, IT SHOULD NOT BE. I keep coming back to James 3:9-11 that talks about the way we use the very same tongue to bless the Lord, but then to curse the ones He made. I love the simple but straight-forward rebuke here: "My brothers, IT SHOULD NOT BE."

Because of what's on the line, because our days (and even our words) are numbered and our opportunities are limited, it should not be. "Too much power is at stake to continue cultivating an INCONSISTENT and UNCONSECRATED mouth" (Beth Moore).

Cindy H.

1) Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing Proverbs 12:18 2) The Bible clearly says "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart" Matthew 15:18 NIV The English word "heart" referred to in this scripture translates to the Greek word kardia-the fountain seat of thoughts, passions, desires, purposes, and endeavors. These components interrelate and produce: Positive or Negative words & Positive or Negative actions.

Jill M.

One commentary explains the word Unwholesome in this way:

"Anything that injures others and sparks dissension is covered by the expression. Christians, however, will only say what is calculated to build up the church (Eph 2:21, 22; 4:12, 16) by encouraging its members. This is to be done whenever the need arises, so that those who hear may profit by it."

This made me think of an analogy between whole foods vs. processed foods.  Our bodies process whole foods so much better than processed ones.  Whole foods (such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and so on) were created by God for a purpose…to give our bodies’ energy, vitamins and minerals.  The soil that these whole foods come from is also very important to how good the food is.  I compare the Whole food from rich soil to God's word, His love and His grace.  If we can continually keep these in our hearts and on our minds then He will shine through us and help us build others up and have better purpose with our words.

Marishell M.
I’m an avid fan of crème brulee and so much that my husband gave me a recipe book devoted to making a crazy amount of variations of delicious crème brulee. As I perused the ingredients and cooking supplies, I didn’t realize that a sieve was an essential tool in the preparation process. It’s this filter that makes all the difference between having a smooth, creamy, and tasty custard versus a gritty, curdled, and tart one. As I reflect on Ephesians 4:29, I realize how much I absolutely need the filter of the Holy Spirit in my life to produce savory and wholesome conversation. James 3:8 states that “no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” How defeated I am to think I alone can harness my tongue without the help of the Holy Spirit! Abiding in the Spirit frees me from the bitter destruction of unwholesome talk and connects me with the heavenly realm which enables me to speak life and build up those around me. Matthew 12:34 says that “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Let our hearts be filled with the overflow of the knowledge of Christ. May we crave and desire more of Him. After all, He is sweeter also than honey, the honey-comb …and crème brulee!

Brandice W.

I'm trying to teach my 4 year old to control his tongue. James 3 has some pretty terrible things to say about the havoc that our words can cause. But we are all born with sin and "out of the heart of man, the mouth speaks." I fear my task to train him is more up to my son having a relationship with God than it is with my loving discipline and good example. It's having the Holy Spirit in your heart and in your life that will help you to obtain this otherwise impossible goal and other fruits of the Spirit as well.

Carrie F.

It's truly a powerful little verse. Tucked away into this chapter, it's easy to read over it and allow it to get lost, forgotten. I had to stop and read it over and over again for it to truly absorb. I know off hand what it's referring to, but allowing the words to really speak personally to me is another thing. I stopped and prayed, and asked myself if I am truly thinking before I speak to others. Am I consciously aware of what I'm saying, of how they will come across to others? My version of the verse reads: "...that it may minister grace unto the hearers." I looked up grace and it's interesting how it means beauty, good will, favor. Beauty is the one word that stuck out to me. As women, I am reminded how we hold a special place in this world, we are known for our beauty- without sounding vain. I think when God created woman He meant for us to be beautiful.

Our words are so powerful, and they are a direct reflection of our hearts. Are they uplifting, but furthermore, are they reflecting His beauty?

Am I guarding my words, thinking through what I say to others before I speak. And am I uplifting and reflecting His grace (beauty and good will) to others? Powerfully convicting, to make me stop and think before I speak!

Abigail J.

What a great Scripture! Let no corrupt word-no DEATH PRODUCING word-proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification,-BUILDING UP-that it may impart grace-the ZOE LIFE OF GOD-to the hearers.
This is such a challenge to all of us! Corrupt words would be those of death. Words that have no life, no activity whatsoever. God created the world with His words-what type of world are you creating around you with your words?
Are we speaking words that build up? Just think of a builder stacking bricks to build a home of security, stability and a strong foundation. When we speak to our loved ones, are we "adding bricks" to their life or are we taking away? As we are challenged by Paul's admonition, let me also share with you another insight the Lord gave me. Certainly if we are to not speak any corrupt, or death words out of our mouth, we should also not be listening to any either! The Lord had me stop watching the news a long time ago. Talk about corrupt communication! The Scripture says, Who's REPORT will you believe? The response is: We shall believe the REPORT of the Lord! Just something to ponder on.
I also like to think of Eph. 4:23 as the "bridge" Scripture to get us to verse 29. In order for us to speak those words that will build up and add GRACE-God's life-to the hearers, we must be thinking the right things-agreed? Verse 24 reminds us to "constantly be renewed in the spirit of your MIND (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude)." AMPL. This is most certainly the first step to the right words coming out of our mouths. "For as a man thinketh in his heart-so is he." I am challenged even as I write this to be renewed in the spirit of my mind. Praying in the Spirit more and cleaning out any cobwebs that gotta go!

Thanks to all of the ladies who shared.  May we continue to be challenged by God's word and go deeper in it everyday. Feel free to follow our blog and comment too!  Let us know how God is speaking to you.  God Bless!!