[… rid yourselves of all such things] … and filthy language from your lips.
Summary: Words can be weapons. Paul points out that the tools of slander are words that cause real hurt.
If your idea of “filthy language” is anything that gets **BLEEPED** out on TV, you are on the right track. Strong’s Concordance calls this kind of language “vile conversation.” “But wait!” (As they say on TV), “There’s more!!”
The Greek word Paul used has roots. They are made up of root words that mean “shameful” (G153) and to “disfigure” or be “ashamed.”
This ties in with our last meditation and our study of the word “slander.”
To slander someone is to hurt them with words.
As a child, my mother used to try and make my hurt feelings go away by reciting the adage, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.”
That is a nice sentiment and I wish it were true, but names can hurt people. If a person is accused of being something horrible, that “name” can stick. People talk, people judge, people draw back. The victim of the name-calling is isolated and stands accused without a trial. Isolation can lead to being socially ostracized. For adults, this can lead to job loss or worse. Psychologically, a victim of slander can begin to question their own right to exist. People have killed themselves because of being publicly shamed.
Our words can be powerful, way more powerful than we might even realize. Words can change lives.
Good words can make our lives better. Bad words can kill.
Paul’s admonition to rid ourselves of filthy language is important but especially important in the fellowship of believers. People who cannot police their own mouths are not safe to be around.
Application: Clean your mouth out with Jesus. (It works better than soap!)
Food for Thought: How do we recognize “filthy language?”
I think at the heart of “filthy language” is distain for God’s provision either through giving reference to using it in a self-centered way or expressing that it is not enough. People tend to use filthy language to express thoughts that counter love toward God and our neighbor, or to express that they did not receive what they thought they deserved, and both are expressed in an aggressive (albeit sometimes overtly aggressive) manner.
The opposite to filthy language is gratitude and thanksgiving. If thanksgiving is what is in our heart, it will be what comes out of our mouth.
Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Chris,
I really appreciate you pointing to the opposite of filthy language. Gratitude and Thanksgiving are indeed godly expressions.
Well said!
Good Job CH!
How do we recognize “filthy language?”
Taking the name of the Lord your God in vain. Exodus, 20:7,
Filthiness, foolish talk, crude joking. Ephesians 5:4,
Speech that is not gracious, seasoned with salt. Colossians 4:6,
Speech of this world as opposed to conversing what is good and acceptable and perfect, within the will of God. Romans 12:2,
I believe filthy language is also a crutch used by people who cannot adequately or properly express themselves. Or a way for others to fit in with a specific group of people.
Believers are not left on earth to fit in with this world. We live “IN” but not “OF” this world. We are to allow Jesus Christ to minister through us, to those He brings to us, as He guides our hearts to speak His words which point to forgiveness, salvation and a life at peace with God. Anything else is simply clutter,
Ron,
Great verses and excellent examples of “filthy language.” Your point about using certain words as a “crutch” is both interesting and true. The words we use say a lot about who we associate with, God or the world.
Good comments CH and R2T2.
As was said in the devotional and comments, this refers to more than the obvious cuss words. If I call someone stupid or suggest they are worthless or insignificant – if I use appropriate language but at the same time insinuate something bad about them, it is straight from an evil heart and demonic temptation.
James 3: 9 – 10: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Matthew 5: 21 – 22: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, a and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister b c will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ d is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Great points, Rich!
Associating an “evil heart” with the demonic is very appropriate. As you have pointed out many times, we are not on a cruise ship, we are on a battleship.