Are You Edifying or Vilifying?

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Today, I listened to a story that saddened and taught me at the same time. He was a budding preacher from a humble home. Church members started noticing his abilities, and soon, the pastor requested him to preach on the coming weekend.

Impart Grace to Hearers

There was one challenge, though. His little collection of clothes needed a revamp. Armed with the little money he had saved, he invested in a presentable second-hand shirt, trousers, and tie in readiness for the pulpit.

Then came the day—and the words that would affect him for decades. An older man, a friend and a preacher for that matter, made a cruel comment on the dressing of the preacher of the day. “You can make a good preacher, but must you dress like Jonah after leaving the whale’s belly?” How the young man managed to preach that day is still a mystery to him.

Are You Edifying or Vilifying

“Decades later, I bear no grudge against him, but I often feel part of the pain when I see the man or when I remember what happened.” Says the now middle-aged man. What impact do our words have on others? Unfortunately, vile words cannot be unsaid. Moreover, the pain they cause lingers, even where forgiveness is extended.

Take a moment to review your recent communication. Did your speech minister grace to others? Did you edify or vilify those? What measures will you take to ensure no corrupt speech proceeds out of your mouth?

Prayer
Holy Spirit, come and live inside me so that my speech may edify and not vilify others.