Don’t Say That Word - Martin Wiles

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

When a grandchild says, “Don’t say that word,” I listen.

Although one of our grandchildren was slow beginning to talk, he caught up nicely. Soon, he spoke in sentences—which made our job a little more difficult as we tried to understand what he said. From the beginning, we taught him not to say “shut up.” “Hush” was a better word choice in our opinion.

Enter our then-mouthy Chihuahua, who needed to be quiet numerous times daily. As I issued those instructions one day, my grandson politely said, “No, you don’t say dat word.” 

“What should I say,” I responded.

“You say, ‘Be quiet,’” he said.

We're not quite sure where he learned some things he said. They had not come from us, his parents, or any television show he watched. Saying comical things just seems to be a way of life for him. Then again, there are some things he picked up from media sources that we wish he wouldn’t.

One translation uses the word unwholesome instead of foul or abusive. At first glance, I might associate this with the third commandment: “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:7 NLT). In other words, don’t cuss. But the instruction goes much further than four-letter words, so avoiding cursing won’t let me off the hook. And while I think more about wrong actions grieving God’s Spirit, unwholesome language will do the trick, also.

Speaking words that reflect bitterness toward another person is unwholesome. Gossiping will accomplish the same thing, whether what we say is true. Some things are just better left unsaid. Processing anger in unhealthy ways is also a part of the mix. As is just having a bad attitude and letting our words reflect it so everyone else can see it plainly as well.

Asking whether what we’re about to say is necessary, accurate, and uplifting is an excellent place to start, but we can’t stop there. Examining the root source our words arise from and considering the words we’re acting out in pictures are essential, too. If we don’t get to the source, we’ll keep saying “dat word.”

What do your words say about you to others?

Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. 

Tweetable: What words shouldn't you say? 

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