Speaking Helpful Words

From Speaking Life in Your Marriage on YouVersion

Ephesians 4:29 NASB1995
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 10:32 NASB1995
The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.

Scripture says it like this: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful , so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29) and “The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” (Proverbs 10:32).

There are two sides to this. First, we are to put away any unkind, rude, foul or hurtful speech. And then, beyond avoiding the negative, we have a great opportunity to use our words for good! I love that these verses give a picture of the good that our words can bring. They can be an instrument of encouragement and love. Our kind and gentle words reflect the image of God’s love, and when our marriage reflects Him, we experience joy and peace while giving Him glory!

Let’s be proactive today as we use our words to encourage and help others.

Today, I want to challenge you to seize those helpful words and share them. Don’t neglect the simple gift of speaking life into your spouse, friends, family, and the marriages around you.

Next Steps:

• Do you have a friend whose marriage encourages you? Encourage them by saying so today!
• Tell your spouse one way you have seen them growing, and encourage them in what you’ve seen God do in them.