Unwholesome Talk - (4/15/20)

by Debbie Reynolds

I. What is Unwholesome Talk?

The word ‘unwholesome’ is defined as: not characterized by or conducive to health or moral well-being.

Synonyms are: unhealthy, noxious, poisonous, un-nourishing, innutritious, unhygienic, insanitary, harmful, injurious, detrimental, destructive, damaging, deleterious, ruinous, malign, baleful, improper, immoral, indecent, corrupting, depraving, salacious, subversive, exploitative (meaning causing harm or damage). WOW!

Our theme scripture today is:

“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

Some different types of unwholesome talk and some scriptures that address the are:

Slander – Psalm 50:20-21, Leviticus 9:16
Gossip – Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 17:4, Proverbs 18:8
Arguing – Philippians 2:14
Criticizing – Matthew 7:1
Boasting (talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities; vanity. The opposite is also a sin – speaking derogatorily about oneself, degrading self or talents. – James 4:16
Lying – Exodus 20:16, Colossians 3:9
Sarcasm – Provers 26:18-19
Filthy Language – Colossians 3:8
Anger, Rage and Malice – Ephesians 4:26, Ephesians 4:31-32, 1 Peter 2 full chapter)
All of Colossians 3 talks about how to live the Christian life.

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom…“
James 2:12

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36-37

II. What does it Mean to Live in the Light?

One definition of being a light: a person, notable, or eminent in a particular sphere or activity or place; an expert, authority, master, leader, guru. This sounds like Jesus! Aren’t we to be followers of Jesus – to be the shining light to others? He is the light of the world. He told us so himself:

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”
Luke 12:2-3

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal…The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
James 3:2, 6

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6

“For once you were in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light.”
Ephesians 5:8

III. How Can We Spur Others on?

In this time of pandemic, so many feel like prisoners in their home. We need to help spur others on, and help build and maintain unity during this time.

“As a prisoner for Christ in the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-2

“Therefore you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin…
Ephesians 4:25-26