A Time to Keep Silent and a Time to SpeakSample

Don’t say anything bad

“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.” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

How harmful words can be! In several places in the Bible we are warned about this. James compares our tongue to a fire that sets our whole life ablaze. That fire can injure others, even if we do not physically harm them. Lies and gossip can thoroughly ruin a person's life. Sharp words can hurt and leave scars. Perhaps you know of examples of this from your own life or from those around you.

In Ephesians 4:31 Paul writes about “bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander” and in Colossians 3:8-9 about slander, obscene talk and lies. All these things belong to sin, to “the old self with its practices,” and therefore they have no place in the life of a Christian. A heart that loves God cannot engage in “corrupting talk." We must radically distance ourselves from it.

Instead, we are called to say edifying things that do other people good and make their faith stronger. Positive words have great influence! Do you know examples of that too? Can you build someone up today by speaking good words?