Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Here is another put off and put on. Put off speaking those things which are corrupting, worthless, or rotten. He says do not allow such words to proceed from our mouths.

That’s hard, isn’t it. Our mouth often speaks before our mind get in gear. God say that we should have enough control so that this does not happen.

What then should be put on in its place? We should speak those things that are good for building up, fit the need of the moment, and extend grace to those that hear.

Talk about a challenge! He says, “Only.” Those are the only kind of words that we should permit to come from our mouth. Before we speak, we must think, “Will this help build up the person, does it fit the need of this moment, and does it extend grace?

Ecclesiastes 5:2 says: Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.  

Proverbs 10:19 says: When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.  

I think the admonition is: speak less, listen more, and think before you speak.

---