Last time I introduced Dr. Ed Wheat, M.D., and his best selling book, Love Life for Every Married Couple. I noted many of the prescriptions Dr. Wheat issues are applicable to relationships outside of marriage.
As a physician, he offers the following prescription stated in this acronym: The BEST prescription for a superb relationship: Bless, Edify, Share and Touch. Elements of good communication appear in each aspect of his approach. Last time we looked at Blessing through Communication.
Now we look at Edifying others with through conversation.
Dr. Wheat defines edifying biblically: ”Edifying, a biblical term often used in the New Testament, is the building up of individuals.”
Perhaps you have heard the admonition: If you can’t say anything nice; don’t say anything at all. This statement finds it roots in Ephesians 4:29, which Billy Graham says is one of the most violated principles in all of Scripture.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).
Earlier in this series I noted communication is a two-way avenue: Speaking and Listening. It is profitable to see a dynamic of listening few expound upon – but I do.
Who are the hearers of this corrupt communication? Obviously, the speaker intends the one(s) to whom he/she is speaking as an intended audience. And if the speaker expounds on the matter to others, they too will hear the “corrupt communication.” Here is the irony.
Every time the speaker gives voice to corrupt communication, the words are not only heard by the audience(s) but are also heard repeatedly by the speaker. Corrupt communication hardens the hearts of both the hearers and speakers.
An adage applicable to this teaching is: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Bottom line: If you cannot edify, that is build them up, another with your words do not utter them. Both the hearer and speaker will benefit from the silence.
Next time: Share
