Talking frogs and fish breath

A group of frogs was traveling through the woods and two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog then explained that he was deaf. All along, he thought that the frogs were encouraging him to keep trying.

As one who has committed to teaching and preaching God’s word at Alaska Bible College, this frog story is a convicting reminder of the power of our words. Our words can be a balm that lifts others up or a bomb that smashes people apart. Do you struggle with that little muscle in your mouth? I do far too often!

I am glad for Paul’s helpful words in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” The fishermen in Paul’s day used the word “unwholesome” to describe the smell of rotting fish! God reminds us that our careless, hurtful words figuratively smell like rotten fish. Have you had rotten fish breath recently?

If you struggle like me to have fresh-breath words, try taking this tongue test from Ephesians 4:29 before you speak:

Is what I am about to say pure or perverted? This verse commands, “…let no unwholesome talk come out…” (4:29a)

Is what I am about to say helpful or hurtful? This verse teaches us that our words should help build-up or encourage others not discourage, demean or tear down others! “…but only what is helpful.” (4:29b)

Is it the right time or the wrong time to say what I am about to say? This verse advises that our words be spoken “according to their needs” which based on the original Greek words actually should read “according to their needs at the time.” Good words can become “fish breath” if spoken at the wrong time! (4:29c)

Is what I am about to say beneficial or boastful? This verse instructs us that our words should not be spoken for ourselves but rather to “benefit those who listen.” Words that promote us are “fish breath” words. Words that help the listener to receive favor (the Greek term for “benefit” means to show grace or favor) are “fresh breath” words! (4:29d)

May God’s Word be the mouthwash that the Holy Spirit uses to transform our fish breath to fresh breath.

David Ley is president of Alaska Bible College in Palmer, the only accredited four year Bible college in the state of Alaska. For more information, visit akbible.edu.