The Importance of Words

Paul told the Ephesians that the walk that is worthy of their calling is, bottom line, the unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:1-3). He goes on to give specific examples of how that looks. At the end of the chapter he has a series of "Don't do that, do this" kinds of things (Eph 4:28-32). One of those is

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Eph 4:29)

"Unwholesome word." What's that? The King James says, "corrupt communication." The ESV calls it "corrupting talk." I think you can see a difference. One is corrupt, and the other causes corruption. The LITV says "filthy word." The common perception is that it's referring to swearing and the like, but ... that's not quite right. The easiest way to see what it means is to look at its "do this" parallel: "only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." So, "unwholesome" would mean communication that does not edify, that doesn't give grace. So it's not so much "bad words" as words that tear down or are ungracious.

Part of walking in Christ is giving grace, edifying each other. We are often not good at that. We like to dig playfully at each other (often risking real hurt). We don't compliment as much as we should or show care or concern. We aren't grateful enough. We aren't really good at this. James warns about the tongue. "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well" (Jas 3:2). We would do well to aim for unity by speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15) with an aim to build up and give grace. It is the command, after all.