No Corrupting Talk

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV

Should we use vulgar speech? Our general communication is riddled with free-speaking people who use F-bombs at the drop of a hat and use language that my grandmother would cringe at. How does using this type of speech promote unity in our society, especially among Christian families, at home, or even at church? Do we not have a responsibility to speak to one another in ways that build up rather than tear down? Our society is built upon an idea of freedom that our founding fathers were willing to die for: freedom from the oppression of a foreign government or kingdom that wanted to rule over our nation without representing us and taxing us beyond our ability to pay.

Speech was so important to the early settlers of our country that three books were crucial to them: the Bible, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, and Noah Webster’s dictionary. The Bible came first because most people believed that living in this country was by God’s providence, and it was essential to know what God demanded of us and how we were to conduct our lives. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs was important because most wanted to know what happened to the reformers who made great strides in this country and others, what they accomplished, and what their end was. Lastly, Noah Webster’s Dictionary of the American Language was crucial. Many settlers had no formal education and learned grammar from the King James Bible and Noah Webster’s Dictionary. Some families had the benefit of McGuffey’s readers, which included stories, poems, essays, speeches, and spelling and vocabulary lists.

Understanding words and how to communicate effectively was an essential need for most early Americans. ‘King’s English’ was utilized as a means of direct communication early on, derived mainly from the use of the King James Bible. Webster’s Dictionary helped many Americans to spell and phonetically speak words that people may not have used if the Dictionary was not available. Proper words and language were important for communicating the gospel and general communication between ordinary people and government officials. It was important to speak correctly and effectively; Webster believed our nation would grow strong with a deep understanding of proper words and grammar.

Our society has rapidly abandoned the restraints of decency and morality in communication. Words that would have been banned or censored in the past are now freely expressed on social media and in print. People believe they have the right to say whatever they want without consequence. Words have the power to change society, for better or for worse.

The scripture above encourages us to avoid speaking in a corrupt manner. It doesn't just refer to using curse words; it also includes speaking in a slanderous, gossipy, or derogatory way, as well as spreading lies and making accusations. There are many harmful ways to speak that tear down others instead of building them up, and that's not how we were taught to communicate as followers of Christ. The best way to understand what Paul is saying about corrupt speech is to ask yourself if Jesus would approve of the words coming out of your mouth.

"For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNT)

We have been given the gift of God’s grace; we cannot add anything to it to improve it. The gift has been given and settled. We often believe that we can freely speak about anything we want because it's justifiable based on our own freedoms. However, freedom isn’t free; it was bought with a price, and many soldiers have died for our freedom in this nation, and Jesus died for our freedom to be called His children. We have no right to speak evil of someone else; God never gave us the right to criticize or speak down on someone that He died for, no matter what they have done or will do. It is understanding that we serve a God who is above all things and in all things. We are not to take sides against anyone but to take the side for love and mercy.

It's important to extend the same grace we have been given when we talk to others. We didn't deserve it, but we have freely received it so that it may change our lives. Those we meet need our story of transformation. We need to communicate in a way that is to the point, clear, and uplifting so they may know that there is a God who is alive and changes lives for the better because He loves us.

Stephen Barnett