EPHESIANS 5:12

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

There are some things you just don’t talk about. Some say you should never discuss politics or religion at family gatherings. I am not sure I agree with that, but there are other things that are off limits. For instance, you may know of something really bad someone has done. Should you bring that up to others? Should you discuss immoral activities in the world publicly?

Paul tells us in today’s verse it is “disgraceful” to talk about such things. The Greek word translated as “disgraceful” only occurs four times in the New Testament. Two times it refers to women not cutting their hair or not speaking in church. The other time it is talking about dishonest money. The word means shameful, sordid or improper.

APPLICATION

Paul is the only author who uses this Greek word all four times. But he only uses it to address speech once – right here in today’s verse. All these negative behaviors he has been talking about in this chapter are off limits. But it’s not just in not doing them. He tells the Ephesians to not even talk about them.

You have to remember that a lot of these things Paul has been talking about came out of the pagan worship of Ephesus. They were vile and horrible practices that should not even been mentioned any more. We have some of those same practices in our world today. Missionaries in some countries report demonic rituals and activities in the local idol temples. We don’t talk about these things because we do not want these things on our mind.

I am reminded of Colossians 3:2 which says, “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Our thoughts should be towards heaven, not on these pagan activities. Clear your mind and mouth of such things. Concentrate on His Word and His Spirit. Let those things drive your speech.

Father, keep my mouth full of Your words so that I can encourage others.