For Good or for Evil: What is the Impact of Your Words?

Daily Devotional – Friday, September 3, 2021

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Children are like a sponge. They quickly pick up the language and manner of expression of adults. A child’s choice of words reflects how older people use language in the community. Children also believe everything adults tell them.

Adults, on the other hand, can choose what to do with the words they hear. However, they too can find encouragement or discouragement in the words of others. Words have power and influence on those who hear them.

The Apostle Paul reminded members of the church in Ephesus of the high calling they had received from God. Being a Christian meant living according to a higher standard, including using speech responsibly.

Paul counseled, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29).

Paul was clear: speech has power for good or evil. A Christian cannot use foul language or dirty talk. Godly speech edifies those who listen to it.

Use Paul’s statement as a checklist to assess how you use language and the influence it has on others.

• Do others consider your speech wholesome?
• Do your words encourage and build up others?  
• What impact does your speech have on your hearers – young or old?

What changes or improvements can you make in your speech today to ensure it edifies those who listen to you?

Lord Jesus, touch my lips that my speech may build up but not discourage others.