6 Kinds of Words the Christian Should Not Use

Your words communicate what's in your mind.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

As our world has made advances in technology, it has become easier to communicate quickly with others. In many ways, this is a good thing; however, it can be a bad thing if we are not careful with our words.

It is wise to keep our words under control.

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. (Proverbs 10:19-21)

Jesus told us that our words communicate what’s in our minds (Matthew 15:1-20).

How should a Christian not use their words?

Lying

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,(Colossians 3:9)

Christians are to put away lying or falsehoods. Renn wrote that “Lying is a natural expression of Satan’s character (John 8:44).” On the other hand, God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

Corrupt Words

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth (Ephesians 4:29)

Christians must allow no corrupt (unwholesome, rotten) words to come out of their mouth. This would include words that are not helpful - words that tear down rather than build up.

Evil Speaking

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)

Christians must put away evil speaking or slanderous talk. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, evil speaking includes “injurious or defaming speech against God or man.”

This kind of speech is all too common among Christians on social media - especially when politicians are discussed.

Filthy Talk

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness… (Ephesians 5:4)

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

Filthy talk or vulgar speech is to not even be named among Christians. This is “shameless talk and conduct.” It has no place in the Christian’s life.

Foolish Talk

…nor foolish talking…(Ephesians 5:4)

 Foolish or nonsense talk has no place in the life of a Christian. Vincent said that this is “talk which is both foolish and sinful.” Christians have more important things to consider than sinful, nonsensical speech.

Course Jesting

…nor coarse jesting…(Ephesians 5:4)

Vincent wrote, “The sense of the word here is polished and witty speech as the instrument of sin; refinement and versatility without the flavor of Christian grace.”

Course jesting is trying to dress up sinful talk to sound smoother and less displeasing to the ears. It’s sinful talk that is witty, perhaps humorous, and almost pleasant to the ears.

Once again, this has no place in the life of a Christian.    

The words Christians use matter.

How are you using your words?