Daily Devotions
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."
Text: Ephesians 4:29
NO PLACE FOR CORRUPT WORDS
Why should the believer sink to using corrupt speech? He has no need to speak corrupt words at all. He must determine to put off corrupt words forever from his lips.
IN PLACE OF CORRUPT WORDS
What does the believer have, in place of corrupt words? Let us consider the following thoughts:-
1. That which is “good for necessary edification”
Good speech or bad speech is a matter of choice. Paul advised strongly that the believer must ever choose to speak only good words. He has a few things to guide him by:-
a) Words that are intrinsically “good”
The believer should be able to easily distinguish between what is “good” and what is “corrupt”. Based on that, he must choose to speak only that which is obviously good.
b) Words that bring about necessary edification
One of the things that the believer must bear in mind is the word “edification” (“oikodomen”). This word conveys a strong imagery of a “house”. Good words can help build a strong house. Corrupt words on the other hand will demolish it. Which genuine believer would consciously go about destroying the household of God? Surely, he would choose to build up the household of God!
2. Imparting grace to the hearers
What a tremendous thought we have in this text!
a) Bear in mind the wonderful grace of God
It is through grace that we receive salvation. It is through grace always that we have received blessing after blessing.
b) Words- an instrument of grace
Imagine our words being able to impart the grace of God to hearers! Every believer should be thrilled to know that his words can be a great source of blessing to all hearers.