Title: Words Are Powerful
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. – Ephesians 4:29a
I used to look at this verse as proof for not cursing.
But it’s much more than that.
Some synonyms for unwholesome are unhealthy, noxious, poisonous, harmful, and dangerous. So really, this verse is more about putting people down and hurting others with our words than it is about swearing or cursing.
Think about your wife, your kids, and your co-workers. Do the things you say to them and about them build up or tear down?
What have you said recently that caused someone pain? How have you hurt someone with your words?
How can you change what you say into words of encouragement? How can you use your words to build up and not tear down?
Real men are encouragers.
