Transformed Speech

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:29 KJV

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

This old English rhyme first appeared in a Church publication in 1862. The intention was to encourage children to overlook insults directed at them by other people and refrain from physical retaliation when verbally abused. While it is good to teach children to remain calm in the face of insults, unfortunately, it is not true that words will never hurt. In fact, words do hurt. Words can break. Words can harm and hurt.

I consider speech or the use of words one of the highest faculties we possess as human beings and the truth is that our words are powerful. Words spoken to children in their formative years go a long way in shaping their sense of identity and purpose in life. The words we use in our communications also impact on personal and even national relationships.

For instance, according to verifiable historical accounts, 2 of the greatest powers in Europe in 1870, the Kingdom of Prussia and the Empire of France went to war because the Chancellor of Prussia altered the words of a published telegram. The telegram inflamed public opinion in France, leading to a declaration of war. France was defeated and some part of erstwhile French territory was annexed to Germany. This resulted in some resentment against Germany and contributed in no small measure to the tensions that led to the First World War. All these happened because of the use of words.

It is with the recognition of the power of words and speech that the Scriptures are replete with different instructions and admonitions about how words should be used:

“Careless words stab like a sword, but the words of wise people bring healing.”

Proverbs 12:18 God’s Word

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Proverbs 15:1 KJV

“A gentle statement is a tree of life, but perverted speech shatters the spirit.”

Proverbs 15:4 International Standard Version

“What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words”

Proverbs 18:21 Good News Bible

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It had been claimed in a popular book that women use 20, 000 words per day while men use 7, 000. However, a 2007 study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Arizona using electronically activated recorders estimated the total number of words that each volunteer spoke daily for an average of 17 hours daily. They concluded that the average number of words in women was 16, 215 and in men 15, 669. Interestingly, both the highest number in any of the volunteers (47, 000 words a day) and the lowest number (700 words daily) were found in men.

Though we may disagree with the research findings, what we must agree on is that the average daily number of words spoken is so high and the way we use our words becomes an issue of paramount importance. I am convinced that if our verse in focus this week is obeyed and applied consistently in our lives, we would have less divorce, less church splits, less child rebellion, less inter-personal clashes and more peace in our societies.

The word “corrupt” in Ephesians 4:29 is the Greek word “sapros” which means “rotten”. Just as rotten food will not in any way nourish our bodies but rather contaminate, rotten words do not nourish. Rotten words tear people down. They make people sick emotionally. They create negative atmospheres in homes, families, relationships and churches. Rotten words sometimes leave emotional scars in adults from years of childhood abuse.

While such rottenness in speech may be the order of the day in the world, for believers in Christ, the new life we have in Him ought to be characterized by a transformed speech.

“It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either…”

Ephesians 5:4 God’s Word

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…”

Colossians 4:6 International Standard Version

According to Ephesians 4:29, our words should be edifying and ministering grace to our hearers. We ought to use words that will bring encouragement, praise, appreciation and express gratefulness. Our words should be loving, kind and gentle words. Even in correcting or rebuking people, our words should still express grace. Our words should build people up, bring health to those who hear us and create positive atmospheres all around us. As you go into the week, think about this: how will you use your 16, 000 words every day?  

To be continued…