Use Words

Introduction

"Sticks and stones may break my bones...”

True? Well, not really. We’ve all been hurt by what people have said about us.

Too often, we use words to hurt others.

But, Scripture encourages us to use our words to build others up.

Stand For Truth

v. 25

“Having put away falsehood.” Something already done. Prior beliefs.

In a world filled with falsehoods -

Be discerning.

How do we do that? By knowing the truth.

And then care about what you communicate.

Is it true? Helpful? Necessary?

This is especially true for Christians.

Have a reputation for honesty.

Use your words for truth.

Rule Over Anger

vv. 26-27

“Be angry and do not sin...”

A commandment to be angry.

There are things that should anger us.

But, do not let the sin rule over you and lead to sin.

The warning is that if your anger is not processed, it gives a place “opportunity” to the devil.

This is why there are warnings of anger throughout Scripture.

Proverbs 14:29 ESV

29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Understanding allows for a slow anger. Not everything requires a level 10 response.

How do we accomplish this in a culture that rewards anger?

Have people you can dialogue with. Who can listen carefully and then you allow to push-back?

Anger should be the exception.

It should be processed quickly into inaction or righteous action. (No room for lowering your standards.)

And then it should be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit.

Replace anger with the fruit of the Spirit.

Use your words to process anger.

Meet Needs

vv. 28-29

An interesting connection between these two verses.

The first makes total sense: work hard so you can help others.

Have discipline and wisdom in your spending.

Then you can be generous to the needy.

The next deals with giving kind words to the needy.

“as fits the occasion” is an odd translation “of the needy.” Same word as above.

So, Paul says, “use your financial wealth to help those in need...” and

Use your emotional wealth to help those in need.

Just as thief should no longer steal, we should not longer steal by our words.

“Corrupting talk” Rotten. Something that if you eat, you get sick.

Food poisoning. Few things are worse than that.

And that’s what some of our words are like...

Instead, speak good words that are building others up.

As fits the occasion, or, according to their needs (NIV).

There are those who need to hear a good word from you.

People need to hear grace:

God loves you. Keep it up. I’m proud of you. You can do it.

Graceful words requires emotional wealth.

You have to be be growing in your faith.

Use your words to give grace.

Be Kind

vv. 30-32

This warning at the beginning: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

You think the Holy Spirit ever looks at our actions and feels sorrow?

Not because He loves us any less. But because He knows the potential within us.

How do we do that? First, by getting rid of all the things in v. 31.

The best way to get rid of those things is to force them out with something else. V. 32.

Be kind. Tenderhearted. Have a good spleen. σπλάγχνον - spleen / intestines. Where you feel things.

Pity, sympathy, inward affection. Plus “Good.”

Do acts of kindness that cause other people to feel good inside.

Tearing down is easy. Building up takes work.

And finally, “forgive one another.”

How?

Remember that God has forgiven you.

Use your words to build others us.

Conclusion

Jesus understood the power of words.

This is why He warned about the origin of words:

Matthew 12:34 ESV

34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Your words reveal what is in your heart.

But as we fill up our hearts with the things of Jesus, pushing out the things of hate, the things of Jesus will flow naturally out of our mouths.

Examine your words to examine your heart.

Allow Jesus greater authority in your heart to use your words to build others up.