Watching Our Words -(3)

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 NASB

Then there's the last phrase, "...that it may give grace to those who hear." This is what the Lord used to really impact me that day many years ago, concerning my speech and the use of my words. And I'm often reminded of this verse from time to time and cautioned.

As I read those words, the Holy Spirit gave my the mental picture of being in conversation with someone about another person, and not only using my words but also the inflection of my voice, the body language, the rolling of my eyes, and facial expression to get my point across. Not only was I gossiping, but also slandering the person, and claiming that I was the one who was right in the situation. I was convicted not only of these unwholesome words, but of the fact that they would not be edifying to the person I was speaking to or anyone else passing by who heard me speak; nor did they in any way express grace to every one of those people who observed my tone as well as my words. Thus, tears came to my eyes and confession to my lips; repenting, I asked God's forgiveness. 

How easy it is to be deceived into not "watching our words," then falling into sin by not using our words to bring glory and praise to the Lord. Let us be diligent about honoring Him with every word that comes from our mouths, so that the motive and intent of our words might be pure and edifying to all who hear.

As we continue the practice of Watching Our Words, I trust that the following scriptures will be helpful:

Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Matthew 12:34b "For out to the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep a watch over the door of my lips."

Proverbs 13:3 "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."

Proverbs 21:23 "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer."

Let's pray that others will be drawn to the Lord by the expression of the Fruit of His Spirit evidenced in our lives as we are prayerfully "Watching Our Words."

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5: 22, 23

DeEtta