Foolish Words
Ever say something stupid? Ever wish you could have something you said back? Ever talk on the phone for an hour and say nothing? Believe it or not, the Bible commands us not to say foolish things.
Ephesians 5:3–4 says, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” In this verse, Paul commands believers not to speak foolishly.
It’s also amazing to me that in a list with immorality, greed, filthiness, and dirty jokes comes “foolish talking.” The verse says foolish talking is “not convenient,” or better, it is inappropriate for a Christian. I can understand why all those bad things are inappropriate for a Christian to do, but what’s so bad about saying dumb things?
There are two important things to remember: first, sinful speech almost always comes from a mouth that is talking too much. A prolific, careless, tongue is bound to end up sinning. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words there wanteth [lacks] not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” If you want to avoid sinning with your tongue, rule number one: talk less!
Second, notice what the verse advocates instead of foolish talking: “giving of thanks.” When our mouths are giving God praise and glory for what he has done and what he has given us, we will be much less likely to sin with our words.
This hits close to home for us because our youth group often engages in foolish, meaningless, useless talking. There’s nothing wrong with having fun and relaxing, but let’s remember that foolish talking is inappropriate for believers. What characterizes your speech? Is it usually “foolish talking” or is it “giving of thanks”?
Ephesians 5:3–4 says, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” In this verse, Paul commands believers not to speak foolishly.
It’s also amazing to me that in a list with immorality, greed, filthiness, and dirty jokes comes “foolish talking.” The verse says foolish talking is “not convenient,” or better, it is inappropriate for a Christian. I can understand why all those bad things are inappropriate for a Christian to do, but what’s so bad about saying dumb things?
There are two important things to remember: first, sinful speech almost always comes from a mouth that is talking too much. A prolific, careless, tongue is bound to end up sinning. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words there wanteth [lacks] not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” If you want to avoid sinning with your tongue, rule number one: talk less!
Second, notice what the verse advocates instead of foolish talking: “giving of thanks.” When our mouths are giving God praise and glory for what he has done and what he has given us, we will be much less likely to sin with our words.
This hits close to home for us because our youth group often engages in foolish, meaningless, useless talking. There’s nothing wrong with having fun and relaxing, but let’s remember that foolish talking is inappropriate for believers. What characterizes your speech? Is it usually “foolish talking” or is it “giving of thanks”?
posted by Mark Perry at 7:18 PM
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