Tame the Tongue

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)

Have you ever heard the idiom “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?” That sounds good, but it’s not the truth. What you say has the power to uplift or to wound, and to build bridges or burn them.

Your tongue is one of the most powerful weapons you have at your disposal. In the same way that you should be careful with any weapon, you need to be careful where you point your words, especially in a marriage. Walking in love means that you decide you don’t have to have the last word. Love doesn't have to be heard; instead, it seeks to understand.

Many times, the Holy Spirit will tell me to “shut up” before I say the wrong thing. That’s exactly what Paul was saying in Ephesians 4:29—do not let corrupt communication come out of your mouth. Corrupt is the Greek word spares and it means rotten or putrid. Our words can be rotten and spoil relationships, opportunities, or even the character that we have developed in the eyes of others.

Instead of having corrupt communication, Paul admonished our words should edify, which means we should say things that build others up.

You may say, “But what if I don’t feel like being edifying?” Well, then you need to pray in the Holy Ghost. When you do, the desire to speak harmful words will fade and the Holy Ghost will give you words of edification. You can edify and speak words that build up anyone if you will listen to the Holy Ghost and obey what He is telling you to say.

Are you submitting your words to the Holy Spirit? When you feel emotionally heightened, upset, angry, annoyed, or aggravated, take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants you to say.