Feature Article

The Sweet Side of Speech

March Bible Study

In Touch Ministries staff March 9, 2025

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1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;

2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;

4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;

8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.

13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

14 For this reason it says, ``Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,

16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Many of us recall the “sticks and stones” maxim that claimed, “Words can never hurt me.” But Scripture tells us that is not the case. Last month, we looked into the power of language and read James’s warning about its destructive potential. He referred to the tongue as “a restless evil and full of deadly poison” that can set the course of our life on fire (James 3:6; James 3:8). Thankfully, though, there’s more to the story, and this month we’ll explore the sweet side of speech.

Illustration by Sol Cotti

BACKGROUND

In the early days of the church, the apostle Paul sent letters to several young Christian congregations. His purpose was to instruct them how to live in a way that was holy and pleasing to God.

READ

Ephesians 5:1-21

REFLECT

A holy, or set-apart, life stands out for the right reasons and reflects positively on Jesus.

Paul draws a strict contrast between two opposing ways of living: the ways of darkness and light (vv. 6-10). He singles out the immorality, impurity, and greed that characterize walking in darkness (v. 3). What do verses 9-10 say characterize the “fruit of light”?
The impure fruit of darkness is not to be present in a believer’s life—and should even be far from the mouth (vv. 3, 12). Why do you think it’s not just action that matters but also speech?
Notice that verses 1-2 say to imitate Christ, who was “an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” We must do something similar in our life. Discuss things we might have to give up—especially regarding our speech—as we “walk as children of Light” (v. 8).
Paul gives a few examples to encourage us toward using only the pure speech that pleases God. What would it look like to speak to other believers in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (v. 19)?
With regard to speech that is fitting as we walk in the light, verse 20 repeats the importance of conveying our gratitude. Why is thanksgiving so fundamental to gracious language? How does expressing it frequently help to change your heart and the words of your mouth?

CONTINUING THE STORY

What other encouragement to sweet speech does God’s Word offer?

Pleasant words are compared to a honeycomb (Prov. 16:24). Talk about the sensory experiences this brings to mind and how they relate to your words.
Read Ephesians 4:29. Give examples of language in the categories of “unwholesome” and “edifying.” Can you think of a time someone spoke in a way that “gave you grace”? Imagine a favorite dish with either too little flavor or an overpowering amount. What do you think it means to “let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6)?
Consider memorizing Proverbs 15:1, which says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” In what situations do you find it most challenging to respond gently, and how can you apply this verse to help you make a better choice?

REFLECT

The Holy Spirit will help us know both what to say and the way to say it.

In His kindness, the Lord let us know in advance that we will one day be required to give an account for every carelessly spoken word (Matt. 12:36). What a blessing to be able to turn to Christ now for forgiveness—and to develop patterns of conduct and conversation that are pleasing to God.