Corrupt Communication

“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)

         There is a reason God chose the word “corrupt” to describe destructive speech. Along with its other meanings, Webster defines something corrupt as being “infected, tainted, decayed, and putrid.” Doesn’t sound very healthy, does it? Perhaps that’s why Proverbs says, “a wholesome tongue is the tree of life” (15: 4); and “the tongue of the wise is health” (12: 18). Impure, pernicious speech not only poisons the air around it, it infects the tongue that carries it. The old saying, “If you’re going to think it, you might as well say it” is one old saying that’s not worth saying. Verbalizing any evil or perverse thought only gives it greater possession of your mind, since you’re forced to search for the words.

         If we could picture coarse, hateful, or caustic conversation as discharge from a running, putrid sore, maybe we would be less inclined to indulge in it.

“In a world system darkened with the smoke of the pit, how we rejoice to meet saints who are fresh with the clean air of heaven.” – Watchman Nee