In the DWOD for Feb. 27, 2013 we shared how we realized the need to “do away with the pointing finger and malicious talk” (Isaiah 58:9) when we started fasting during Lent a year ago.

During this year’s Fast, as we have been reflecting on Ephesians 4 for five days now, the Lord reminds us once again to pay special attention to the words we speak.

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Let’s do a study of some of the key words in this passage, shall we?

The Greek word “sapros” which is translated “corrupt” in this passage is used in three primary ways in Scripture and elsewhere to describe that which is:

• rotten, putrefied
• corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out
• of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless

No matter which meaning you choose, it is clear that there is nothing good about the impact of speech that is “sapros” upon the recipient.

Now we know why Paul urges us not to use any word that falls into one or more of these three categories.

He then goes on to describe the kind of words that the Lord wants us to use.

“Only what is good for building others up as the need may be.”

The Greek word “oikodomen” translated “building” literally refers to the act of erecting a building.

Metaphorically, it refers to words that edify, build another up, promote another’s growth.

This, of course, is in stark contrast to words that tear someone down.

Paul does not stop there though. He goes on to describe the effect our words need to have on the listeners.

“That it may give grace to those who hear.”

“Charis”, the Greek word for grace appears over 150 times in the New Testament, in one form or another. It is the same root from which we get words such as “charismatic” which simply means one who is gifted.

Theologically we often define grace as unmerited favour, a gift we do not deserve.

At a very basic level though, grace is defined as “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness.”

Perhaps this is what Solomon meant in Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Notice how the word “gracious” comes out of the same word “grace!”

Would you like to try an experiment?

Using your phone or other portable device, record every word you use to talk to others or describe others in your conversation for an hour, a few hours or an entire day…

Now go back and classify them using the three criteria from Ephesians 4:29:

• “Rotten” words
• “Edifying” words
• “Grace-imparting” words

Would there be some pleasant surprises? Nasty shocks?

Is the new Pope named Francis?

Better still, what if we would pause for a few seconds and watch our mouth before we speak into the lives of others?

“Sapros” words would never see the light of day.

Only words that build others up will make it past the door of our lips.

Those who hear them will respond as though they had just tasted honey.

Wow!

The Lord will smile upon us as we fulfill his command: “Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Amen?