Corrupt Communication

I. Introduction
   A. James 3:1-12
      1. James describes the danger of the tongue
      2. Leads often to sin!
   B. Many people who do well at avoiding sin in other areas of 
      life have difficulty with this one!
   C. The author of Proverbs says much about speaking
      1. Much is said regarding the fool and his talk!
      2. "Babbling fool": Proverbs 10:8, 10
      3. Brings ruin: Proverbs 10:14, 18:7
      4. Brings discipline: Proverbs 14:3
      5. Invitation to conflict: Proverbs 18:6
      6. In quarrels: Proverbs 20:3
      7. When does a fool seem intelligent? When he does not talk 
         (Proverbs 17:28)!
   D. While few are always playing the fool, we all end up finding 
      ourselves there!
      1. "Putting one's foot inside one’s mouth"?
      2. How many times have we wished we could take words back?
      3. How many stupid things have we said?
   E. Hence the difficulty with corrupt communication!
      1. If we speak as we ought, we would have no reason for such woe
      2. Even if corrupt communication is common, and we can 
         rationalize it in our minds, such does not make it right or 
         profitable
   F. Let us consider forms of corrupt communication, how to avoid it, 
      and how to speak properly!

II. Forms of Corrupt Communication
   A. Ephesians 5:4
   B. Filthiness
      1. Refers to base language!
      2. We all know of many filthy words-- and words can be filthy!
      3. Swear words are a part of these!
      4. So are euphemisms for swear words!
      5. The English language is quite diverse and full of expressive 
         words that can communicate the same realities without being 
         filthy!
      6. There is no need for such language!
      7. Likewise, carnal discussions or excessively worldly slang 
         are filthy
      8. How can we have our minds set on things above when our words 
         are carnal (cf. Colossians 3:1-2)?
      9. How can we be holy and pure if our language is defiled 
         (cf. 1 Peter 1:16)?
   C. Foolish Talk
      1. Foolish talk can involve many things
      2. In short: if and when people hear me saying such things, 
         will it lead them to have a favorable or unfavorable 
         impression of me?
      3. Would they find me to be a good servant of God, or some kind 
         of buffoon or fool?
      4. Gossiping, slander, and being a busybody is certainly 
         "foolish talking" (Proverbs 10:18, Ephesians 4:31, 
         2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, 1 Timothy 5:13)
      5. Acting and talking in mocking ways, excessive and hurtful 
         sarcasm, and lampooning people in derisive ways involve 
         foolish talking
      6. It's one thing to have a little fun, and to be more informal 
         among some people, but there is never an excuse to insult or 
         deride anyone, even if in jest
   D. Crude Joking
      1. While the word here could involve any form of humor, such is 
         not likely its referent
      2. The joking under discussion is that which is ribald, below the 
         belt, or obscene
      3. Ribald as vulgar
      4. Therefore, all joking and jesting that is vulgar, carnal, 
         sexual, and appealing to base desires is condemned!
      5. If the humor must reduce itself to the lowest common 
         denominator, should we participate in it?
      6. If the humor must deride other people, is that really 
         honoring God?
   E. Seeing the nature of corrupt communication-- how are we to 
      speak?

III. Proper Speech
   A. It is not as if we must speak in stuffily formal ways and be 
      devoid of humor
   B. Nevertheless, we must be concerned about how we speak!
   C. Consider again Ephesians 5:4
      1. Our speech should not be out of place, but should involve 
         thanksgiving
      2. We should speak positively!
   D. Ephesians 4:29
      1. Consider also Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15c
      2. Our language has a test to pass!
      3. Does it encourage or discourage?
      4. Does it exude grace or does it exude condemnation and 
         judgment?
      5. Does it build up or does it tear down?
   E. How seasoned is our language?
      1. Is it overly salty, being obnoxious in what is left unsaid, 
         its presentation, and the barely concealed attitudes 
         underneath?
      2. Is it tasteless and bland, providing little value?
      3. Or is it properly seasoned, providing encouragement while 
         directing others to greater godliness?
   F. Our speech is very important!
      1. Words of encouragement leave strong impressions
      2. Words of discouragement or corruption stain and tarnish 
         reputations for years
      3. It takes a lot to undo things that are said, if it can even 
         be undone
      4. As James says, the one who can properly exercise the tongue 
         surpasses most of his fellows (James 3:2)!
   G. Giving thought to our words
      1. Many times we may have the best of intentions, but our words 
         may not communicate that
      2. We must show concern not just for the substance, but also 
         the way in which the message is communicated
      3. We may intend to encourage but use words or show feelings 
         that are really discouraging!
      4. That is why thinking about how we speak, considering how we 
         would like others to speak to us (cf. Luke 6:31), has great 
         value!

IV. Conclusion
   A. The tongue is certainly a danger, and it causes many problems!
   B. Corrupt communication is normal for the world, but it ought 
      not be named among saints!
   C. We must consider ourselves and how we communicate with each 
      other, and strive to be encouraging, graceful, and seasoned in 
      our words
   D. Let us put aside inappropriate talk and speak with encouragement, 
      giving grace to all who hear!
   E. Invitation/songbook