DAILY TEXT, Today Friday, November 1, 2024, Do not let corrupting words come out of your mouths. Instead, whatever you say, let it be for the building up of others (Eph. 4:29).

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Friday, November 1, 2024

Do not let corrupting words come out of your mouths, but whatever you say should be for the building up of others (Eph. 4:29).

A Christian should never use bad language. But we may speak hurtfully in other ways without realizing it, and we need to be careful. For example, we should not make negative comments about people of other cultures, ethnicities, or nationalities. And we also do not want to say things that will make others feel bad and offend them. Say things that build up and encourage. Instead of complaining and criticizing, always try to compliment others. We do not want to be like the Israelites. Although they had many reasons to be thankful, they were always complaining, and complaining is contagious. Because of the negative report given by 10 spies, “all the Israelites began to complain about Moses” (Num. 13:31–14:4). However, complimenting others has a very positive effect on them. So take advantage of every opportunity to do so. w22.04 8 pars. 16, 17.

Considering what Psalm 15:1, 2 says, why should we always tell the truth, and what does that entail?

Always tell the truth. If we don’t, Jehovah will not be pleased with us, for he hates all kinds of lies. (Prov. 6:16, 17) Although lying is normal for people, we want to think like Jehovah. (Read Psalm 15:1, 2.) Of course, we would never tell an outright lie, but it’s also not okay to withhold information so others will think something that isn’t true.

What else should we be careful of?

Don’t go around spreading gossip (Prov. 25:23; 2 Thess. 3:11). Juliet, mentioned in paragraph 15, says that gossip has a very negative effect on her. She says, “When I hear someone gossip, I get very discouraged and lose confidence in that person. How do I know that he or she won’t talk about me?” If you see that a conversation is heading toward gossip, change the subject and talk about something positive (Col. 4:6).

What are you determined to do?

We live in a world where most people misuse their ability to speak. So we must strive to use it as Jehovah wants. Remember, it is a gift from Jehovah, and he cares about what we say. If we do our best to honor Jehovah with what we say in the ministry, in meetings, and in our conversations, he will bless us. When we are finally free from the influence of this system, it will be much easier to honor Jehovah with our ability to speak. (Jude 15) In the meantime, let us be determined to do as the psalmist said: “May the words of my mouth . . . be pleasing to you, O Jehovah.”—Ps. 19:14.

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