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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Why do you speak?...When I speak it is usually to benefit me... I need something, or I want something, or I want you to know something....But this verse says that when I talk it is supposed to benefit others.
Talking in order to "benefit those who listen" instead of benefit those who are talking is so alien to us it is almost hard to take seriously. So Paul emphasizes it by stating that we "grieve" the Holy Spirit when we speak in a selfish or unwholesome manner.
The impact of the tongue is a constant theme in scripture. James references the rudder of a ship, and the bit in a horses mouth, to show how words can influence our lives.
Still this concept that our words should help others, instead of ourselves is not the norm.
What if it was?....What if we only spoke words that built up and edified others? ..... how would it change our Homes, our businesses, our Facebook pages? "
...But It almost seems impossible doesn't it?
There is however, some insight in Mathew 12:34 that may help. It says"...For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart"...Why is the tongue so important?...because it is the thermometer of the heart...the tongue reveals its content.....The way to make our words beneficial, is to fill our hearts with the perfect grace and love of God.
I once saw a sign that read "99% of the worlds problems occur because someone uses the wrong tone of voice." There is truth in that, and I would suggest the wrong tone of voice is an indication of the wrong content in the heart.
Clean up where they come from, and your words will "benefit those who listen".
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