Right and Wrong!

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. Ephesians 4:29 AMPC

In the face of human rights and fundamental freedoms come the words of today's extract. The charge by Paul is that I make a deliberate choice of the words I speak daily. Our age promotes freedom of speech, but cannot compel decency and proper conversation. We make jest of anything and everything, sometimes bringing in God's Word into the mix. We want to make people laugh, or to make people comfortable around us, so we make compromises with God's standards.

What is encouraged is conversation that builds up, not destroys. What is encouraged are words that lead to the spiritual edification of all who hear us, not necessarily what is funny or convenient. We have to choose whose priorities we will pursue; whether the Word's or the world's.

What makes it more necessary to be careful is that what I say must match the occasion and timing. Job's friends knew the right words but they  knew nothing about their friend Job or the workings of the God he served. In all I do, I must seek God's view before I launch out. When I speak as God directs, grace is released and comfort is assured. The words may sound empty but with the backing of the One who calls and empowers, the Words will speak life and healing. Imagine the opposite.

Let's end with this: The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. Isaiah 50:4 KJV. Can this be said of me? His time of favour is here.