Unless you are living in a bubble, it’s obvious cultural changes have impacted modern vocabulary. Gone are the days of thinking before opening your mouth. Rather, a new boldness have inspired many to verbalize whatever comes to mind regardless of who is listening including children.
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty,” Isaiah 6:5.
The concept of unclean lips is nothing new, referred to by a prophet several thousand years ago. One of the byproducts of unwholesome language is that it often spreads like a cancer influencing previously innocent individuals. In some cases, unclean lips can be passed from one generation to the next.
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:4.
The apostle Paul came across some choice language as well. Although he does not specify what defines unclean lips, Paul creates three categories: filthy, foolish and crude jokes. During a visit to Ephesus, Paul urged church members to drown out negative words with an out pouring of thanksgiving. While you may not change the people around you, may a spirit of thanksgiving inspire you to encourage, thank and uplift those in your spheres of influence.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 