Build Up Or Tear Down

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
-Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

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 (NLT)

David is seeking that what he says, and what he desires be pleasing to God. That should be a desire found in each one of us. Our words can either be pleasing, or displeasing to our Lord. Where does your words fall? 

Paul writes, in Ephesians 4:29, "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." If you want the words you speak to be pleasing to God, then this is how to do it. Paul tells us not to use foul or abusive language. It seems that foul language is an art form to some people. A pastor friend on Facebook, just the other day, asked "WOW what the crap is it with all the F-Bombs tonight....cant people talk without having to use that word.....ive deleted 10 comments with it...." If more people would remember Paul's teaching that we shoudn't use foul language, our world would be better. Abusive language is also language that we should get away from. Why should we not use "corrupt communication?" Paul says, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Our words should build others up. Foul and abusive language has the opposite effect-it tears people down.

Do your words build up, or tear down? Think about it.