Words

Yesterday, I talked about names. Today, words. Words give life or kill. A timely word of encouragement can be the fuel someone needs to keep on. And, words reflect what is going on inside us.

Ephesians 4 says, "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." A few observations:

1. Paul contrasts "unwholesome" with "building others up."

2. It seems to imply that there is more than just the receiver of the "talk" because he says "those who listen."

Words have meanings that we ascribe to them. So, a word today may be "unwholesome" and yet in fifteen years it is fine. But, I think Paul is getting into the heart of the intention behind the words. Sure, I think our words -- generally -- must be fitting. But, I think Paul is also speaking about when we are talking with others to make sure that our words are measured to: (a) the person's needs that we are speaking to and (b) the listeners. That is to say, what you may say to one person alone is not appropriate to that same person in a group. And, what you say to one person alone may not be appropriate for another person also alone.

It's real simple and yet not easy. Measure your words. They matter.