MONDAY July 5, 2021
Corrupt Speech
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:29-30
Paul dealt with the mouth––corrupt speech. Christians should not sin with their mouths by using filthy language or by sitting among a group of people enjoying telling dirty jokes. This behavior is not fitting for a Christian––it does not edify anyone. It is important to repent of such things. No longer should there be any cussing. Do not use your mouth as a weapon for evil, but as an envoy for good––so important.
Christians need to be careful with their words. Our words can tear people down or especially children, crush their spirits, and destroy them. Think about the truth spoken in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue.... So true. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, prayed for the words that would come from his mouth: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Notice how the meditation of his heart and the words from his mouth are mentioned together. The mouth and the heart are connected!
David prayed for God to govern his mouth: Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). David did not want to sin against God with his words: I said, “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me” (Psalm 39:1).
David is a good example for you to follow. Sometimes it is best to just remain silent before the wicked––to say nothing to those who try to revile or antagonize you. Exhibit meekness––power under control. You should not open your mouth to tear people down. Instead, you should pray for those who come against you.
Whatever is unlike Christ in conduct, speech or disposition grieves the Spirit of God.
~Billy Graham~
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