The need and the occasion

Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. (Ephesians 4:29)

According to the need and the occasion. That could be key in this entire passage to understand how our words have an impact. When the need exists, speak the truth God gives. When the occasion is correct, the ears AND the heart may just be prepared to receive what is said. 

Unwholesome speech abounds, does it not? We might just be the 'breath of fresh air' someone needs today. Our words may soothe the hurting heart, but they could just as easily inflame the emotions and lead to many a divisive explosion! We must choose them wisely, using those words in the correct timing, and always be cognizant of how they will be heard.

Heaven knows, my words have wounded on occasion. They have encouraged on others. If we want to get to the point where our words are always 'proper', and spoken in both love and wisdom, we need to listen to what God says through his Word and put it into practice. If we seek to 'build up' through 'false flattery', the words we speak will fall on deaf ears. If we want those words to be spoken according to what God wants others to take to heart, we need to first listen to what he says.

Words that are a 'blessing' to another might begin as words spoken deep within our own hearts. God knows we might need to hear and believe those words ourselves, especially if we are to become the voice that will carry them to others. To be one who just SPEAKS truth but then doesn't have a lifestyle that matches that truth is just plain silly. Our words will carry ZERO meaning. When our lifestyle reflects the truth we utter, our words will hit home with others.

We have too many words that tear down coming at us from all directions these days. Isn't it time we become the voice that brings encouragement, according to the need and the occasion? Just askin...