Devotions: Rotten Words

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.

Ephesians 4:29 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The word unwholesome literally means rotten, putrid, corrupt. Think of serving food. In the same way it would be inappropriate (not to mention gross) to serve rotten food to a guest, it is inappropriate to allow “rotten” words to come from our mouths. Remember that what comes out our mouths is the product of what is in our hearts. So this is not just cautioning us to watch what we say, but also to pay attention to what is in our hearts. If our hearts are rotten and corrupt, then our words will be also. We should only speak words that are encouraging, which build others us and are appropriate. Sometimes, this requires a rebuke or correction, but it should be done with grace and kindness, not out of the rotten bitterness of our hearts. Politeness and good manners stem from the biblical idea that we should put others first and do what is best for them rather than ourselves. We need to focus on saying what is best for others, rather than saying what will make us look good or sound funny, even if it is true. The rottenness, unwholesomeness of our hearts is at its core selfishness and arrogance. It is thinking of self above others. Corruption begins with pride, and that does not do what is best for others. It is not concerned with edification or grace. Look to your heart. Is it focused on edification and grace, or is there rottenness and putrefaction creeping in? Ask God to cleanse any rottenness and corruption out of your heart. Ask Him to help you put others first so that what you do and say will build others up, rather than spread the rottenness of pride and selfishness.

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Translations of Greek and Hebrew words taken from blueletterbible.org