Ephesians 5:6
“See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
This is our second day on this verse. Last time the focus was on deception. Today the emphasis will be on empty words. Last time we spoke of how a sales person seeks to persuade others to buy a product. They do a couple of things; they seek to hype up the product so as to make others really want it. Then they focus on the person and how they are empty without it. Some things are worth it, most aren't. I can hear him say, "Can you see yourself in this car?"
The problem is after a few months it's just a car. This would be the case if $20,000 was spent or $80,000. Both cars do what was intended. The more expensive car leaves one in greater debt. We were tricked. The family is now deprived of things due to the burdening debt. The sales person used empty or harmful words.
The bible says much about words. Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Here a beautiful picture is painted. A good word is like that. How do we do that? This is referring to wisdom which is from God. It could be something He gives in the moment or it could be given as we spend time hearing and reading His Word. Psalm 1:1,2 shows us how to gain wisdom, "Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And on His Law he meditates day and night."
2 Samuel 18:29 has a messenger of David coming with no news. The slower runner after him had the news. Do we have a message? Or are we expending much energy, will little to show for it. If we are living in God's Word, He will fill our wells with wisdom. God will provide opportunities to share. Some see His good news as unfortunate, as they aren't willing to follow Him. It's our job to share it.
Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This is another danger with words. Sometimes it's better to say less. This can be difficult for us, as we don't like silence. If someone is engaging in gossip, we shouldn't participate. The other person may get angry as they think we are judging them. We can change the subject or just not engage. We could also say we don't want to go there.
James 1:19 gives us some good practices, " beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." Being slow to speak is another way of dealing with the gossip. Don't feel pressured to respond instantly. They could be empty or sinful words, if so.
To live this way we need to value different things. Proverbs 9:10 says, " fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Going through difficult conversations is easier if we fear God more than man. That person compared to the holy, awesome God who is right next to us, pales in comparison. All compared to God are puny and insignificant. We can think of all in the world who are powerful. Put them next to God, and they shrink. In there own minds they are omnipotent. They're wrong.
As we live the Psalm 1 life, we are walking in fellowship with God. We sense Him. We don't have to imagine He is with us. He is. That makes putting off the gossip easier.
Jesus is our model. He didn't seek out the popular who were the cultural heroes. He walked through life loving others. We are to do the same. Don't worry about the rock stars. As Crossline Church says, "Love God, love others, have a blast".
Lord, help us to have hearts full of joy and wisdom. Show us when to engage with wise words and when to be silent. Ever looking to You as our source and model.