By David Ettinger
Put in My Place
If you read your Bible earnestly, be prepared to take a few hits to your ego. If you are honest with yourself, it is inevitable you will come across a verse or passage which really puts you in your place.

One verse which recently did this is Ephesians 4:29, which reads: “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.” Raise your hand high if you obey this verse to the letter. Both my hands are dangling at my sides!
What makes this verse extra conscious-searing is that there are two parts to it. One is to “not let any unwholesome talk to come out of your mouths”; the other is to speak in a way which is “helpful for building others up.” That’s a double-edged sword of conviction!
Unwholesome Talk
As is often the case, the Greek translation of words holds more varied and penetrating meanings than its English counterpart. In English, we generally equate the word “unwholesome” with cursing and discussing off-color topics. Christians should never partake of either, but the Ephesians directive delves far deeper.
The Greek word for “unwholesome” is sapros, which carries the idea of something rotten, tainted, putrefied, corrupted, and “something no longer fit for use.” Therefore, we can translate the phrase in these ways:

- “Do not let any rotten talk come out of your mouths …”
- “Do not let any tainted talk come out of your mouths …”
- “Do not let any putrefied talk come out of your mouths …”
- “Do not let any corrupted talk come out of your mouths …”
- “Do not let any worthless talk come out of your mouths …”
- “Do not let any talk which is no longer fit for use come out of your mouths …”
This is much more far-reaching than simply “unwholesome” talk, which is generally limited to speech which is offensive. Rather, talk which is “rotten,” “tainted,” “putrefied,” “corrupted,” and “worthless” is evil, hurtful, disparaging, abasing, and destructive.
Have you spoken in such a way of politicians? The Bible asks you not to. What about in your relationships? How do you speak to others? Do the things you say belittle and demean? Do they bring people down and serve no good purpose? Too often, my words do exactly that!
The Antidote
The antidote for “unwholesome talk” is the second part of the verse, speaking “… only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Fortunately, the English translation here is sufficient; no Greek is required. There are people – and I am blessed to know several – who do this regularly. They are wonderful, upbeat, loving, caring souls who see the good in all things and reflect this in their uplifting speech.

But I’m not one of them. I can be combative and confrontational (though mellowing), and I bet quite a few of you are the same way. Despite these negative traits, we have clear and direct Scripture. We are told what God expects of us, and we can’t use our contentious personalities as an excuse.
Building others up with our words doesn’t come easy, but this is what the Lord demands. And He wouldn’t give us this command without giving us the ability to perform it. James 1:5 tells us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
I believe this premise holds true in other areas of the Christian walk besides wisdom. I feel safe in saying: “If any of you lacks the ability to build others up by your speech, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Are you like me and need to ask God to grant you the ability to curb your unwholesome talk and speak in a positive or encouraging manner? If so, let’s resolve to do just that, because as things stand now, I’m really missing the boat on this verse!
Julpha Jean
September 28, 2019
Amen! this is very very important reminder. Praise God for such wonderful reminder. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
Thank you, Julpha.
LikeLike
vicklea
September 28, 2019
I needed to read your interpretation of this verse today. I have had to bite my tongue a lot lately to keep from telling people “what I really think.” I need to practice telling them something hopeful instead. Thank you for this. I am re-blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
I’m with you, Vickie. I have been biting my tongue for years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
mrsmariposa2014
September 28, 2019
Yes! Powerful, convicting post. l strive to follow this verse, but I know I fall short. Thanks for reminding us of this important truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
I’m with you, Marisa. Just about all of us fall short.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kathy Wire
September 28, 2019
Visiting from Vicklea’s blog. Thank you for an edifying post. Words matter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
Thank you so much, Kathy. So, true: Words matter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sealed in Christ
September 28, 2019
Thank you, David. I fear I am very much like you in this regard. This doesn’t come naturally to me and I definitely have to work at it and lean on God for the right things to say at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
Amen and amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanksbetogod
September 28, 2019
Oh how worthless Gossip is as well! Only with the power of God will I be able to improve my speech! Praise Him that He has the patience with me as I know it will take years for that thorn of mine to improve. Thanks David for pointing us to another great lesson!
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
Thank you … and I think you speak for so many of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
seekingdivineperspective
September 28, 2019
How relevant. Yes, God doesn’t tell us to badmouth our leaders, He’s tells us to pray for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 28, 2019
Precisely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alethea's Mind
September 29, 2019
Sometimes I feel the pull of the Holy Spirit in my heart, and I know I should shut up, but oh well, flat on my face once again. I join you to pray for the wisdom to control this weapon called the tongue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 29, 2019
Well said. I’m right there with you.
LikeLike
Robert
September 29, 2019
I totally should have heeded this verse and mine from today, today! -_-
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Way Home Life
September 30, 2019
Yes! We are working on that at our house, trying to speak only that which is edifying to others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
September 30, 2019
Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue Love
October 2, 2019
David, thank you for this. Yes, we need to be speaking to one another in ways which benefit one another spiritually, which help us to grow in Christ to maturity, and which urge and inspire holy living in purity of devotion to Jesus Christ. We need to be speaking the truth in love to one another so that we are not hardened by sin’s deceptions, and so we do not end up being tossed to and fro by every wind of teaching. And this is so we can all grow to maturity in Christ. For, this is for our good; for our benefit. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
October 2, 2019
Well said, Sue. Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue Love
October 2, 2019
Glory to God! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person