What do words reveal – The intent of my heart .
“Let no unwholesome words proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” –
{Ephesians 4:29}
CORRUPT SPEECH
There is never to be a word that proceeds from our mouth that is unwholesome. The Greek word unwholesome or “corrupt …lit means ‘bad, rotten putrid.” The word is used to describe decaying animal or vegetable matter. Corrupt language is unbecoming in any person, is unthinkable in a Christian. Nothing will destroy a testimony more swiftly.” -{P 135 Phillips on Ephesians.}
The Word “unwholesome” {Saphros} in the Greek literally means “corrupt or corrupting”. It is used of fruit that is rotting. This is what some words do, it corrupts and rots things and relationships away. Many a relationship has been hurt by hurtful speech rather than helped.
But there is still hope that the same mouth that brought forth and poured forth venom can bring forth words of humility and healing.
Christian speech is not to destroy but to elevate and edify.
There is no place in our lives for words which are rotten, degrading instead we are to Practice speech as being that which is good, beneficial and building up the one who is listening at that particular moment. To speak in such a way that is good…building into their ears and heart that which will build them up in the faith and that which will ultimately help them grow in Godliness.
In verse 30 its says “grieve not the Holy Spirit” Grieve is a love word, because you can only hurt someone who loves. One way we grieve Him is through corrupt and rotten speech rather than speech that is noble, beneficial and edifying and helpful to the one we speak to. Time to repent!!!
Corrupt communication is not only offensive to the one we direct it to it is also offensive to the Holy Spirit. Unwholesome speech is a sin against love. Unwholesome speech comes from an unwholesome heart – Matt 15:18-19
What do words reveal –
The Content and intent of my heart. “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” -{Luke 6:45}
Whom should you speak to –
1.- The Lord first-to gain His perspective- James 1:5.
2.- Then examine my own heart and motives before I speak- 1 Cor 11:31-{ “Judge yourselves rightly…”}
3.- Speak to the receptive NOT the quarrelsome- ” Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.“- {Prov 17:14 NLT.}.
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”-{ NASB}
When should you speak –
Listen attentively and gather the facts, from both parties if there are more than one party involved-
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”-Prov 18:13;
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them“- Prov 29:20.
How should you speak-
Speak the truth in love- Eph 4:15
What should you NOT say ?
Do not lie –Eph 4:25.
Do not speak unwholesome words- Eph 4:29;
Do not speak harshly- Prov 15:1
What should you speak?
Always speak the truth in love- Eph 4;15
Speak Gods Word 1 Pet 1:24-25 as the ultimate authority and not what “I feel.. I think …”etc I am not the authority nor am I to base my decisions or advice on my sinful mentality but on His Word as my Foundation for living to please Him in all aspects of living- Matt 7:23-25; Col 1:9; 1 Cor 3:19-20
Speak to give witness to the Lord- 1 Pet 3:15
Speech
1.My words are a mirror to my heart – Luke 6:45
“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”
2. My words reveal the intent of my heart to heal or to hurt – Build Up or Belittle- Prov 11:9,11
“ With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered… By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.”
- My words are to be spoken with gentleness– Prov 15:1
- My words are to be truthful and loving- {Eph 5:14}
- My words are to build up not belittle others- {Eph 4:29}
LISTENING WITH WISDOM IS IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU SPEAK!
Focus on Facts not opinions –
” Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice. “-Prov 13:10,
” The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out. “- Prov 18:15
Ask questions to gain insight – Prov 20:5.
Types of speech that Grieve Him.
Grumbling Grieves Him – Phil 2:14
Gossip Grieves Him– Prov 20:19,26:10
Slander Grieves Him –
Lying Grieves Him –
Evil Speaking Grieves Him – Eph 4:31
Misusing Gods Name Grieves Him – Ex 20
Types of Speech that Please Him –
Using His Word to build up others- Acts 20:32
Gracious Speech – Col 4:6
Truthful and Loving speech – Eph 4:15
Edifying Speech- Eph 4:29;