Young Adults' Group

Speaking Good Word

by Pastor Mark
May 21, 2026

The place of words

In all our relationships, how we communicate is vital. We recognise the vital place of the use of words and we want to be wise in how we use them. When we are unthoughtful and careless in our choice of words, it can harm a relationship.

The Apostle Paul was aware of the various problems facing the Ephesian church. One of them was their use of words. He challenged them, “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). Before the brethren came to faith, they were using “corrupt” words. The word “corrupt” means “foul, unwholesome”. These were foul and unwholesome words, and they were not acceptable to the Lord. They did not profit anyone as they only caused harm and destruction. Let us be challenged not to allow such corrupt words to proceed from our mouths but to speak words that will be a blessing to others.

Speaking good words

1. Speaking good words of edification

1. The challenge is to speak good words.
2. They stand in contrast to words that are “corrupt”.
3. We ought to choose good words rather than corrupt ones.
4. The word “edification” conveys the idea of a “house”.
5. It is through good words that a strong house is built.
6. When we speak corrupt words, it will only destroy the house.
7. Let us be challenged to build a strong family home.
8. By speaking good words, let us build a strong household of God.

2. Imparting grace to the hearers

1. We thank God for His grace given to us at salvation.
2. It is also through our words that grace can be imparted.
3. When we edify one another, God’s grace is given.
4. The hearer of such wonderful and edifying words will receive grace.
5. Their souls will be uplifted and encouraged.
6. They would be greatly blessed by the Lord.
7. There is no grace given when corrupt words are used.
8. Such words will only cause strife and discouragement among us.
9. Let us be challenged to speak good words that may impart grace.

The grieving of the Holy Spirit

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

We thank God for the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He is the seal and guarantee of our redemption (Ephesians 1:13,14). One day, we will experience full redemption when Christ comes again. The challenge for us is not to grieve the Holy Spirit. The word “grieve” means to cause “sorrow”. When we sin against the Lord, it causes the Holy Spirit to feel sorrow. One such sin is speaking corrupt words to one another. When we allow bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking to get the better of us, we grieve the Holy Spirit. The challenge is for us not to grieve the Holy Spirit with corrupt words or any other sins. Let us be challenged to speak good words that will edify all.

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