“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29, New International Version, 1973, 1978, Zondervan Corporation.

Everywhere my eyes and ears turn
They are sure to see and hear,
Words that are hurtful and foul,
From hearts that are deaf and seared.
The argument is that it's shock value
To let whatever one thinks rip,
Only the degrading and humiliating
Are the core of their hearts that drip.
Over all of this what do You hear Lord?
In this chaotic canopy of spilling hearts?
I pray it's the souls crying out for You,
Do our pleas the darkness part?
What do You hear day and night Lord?
Cleanse my heart, my soul, my mind,
So nothing that betrays Your being,
Comes forth from me that is unkind.
May my words bring Your healing,
Encourage the weak, broken, wronged,
Call people to raise their eyes up to You,
Find strength in You to make them strong.
I pray my words are wholesome,
Bring Your honor with every word I say,
Please reside deep in my heart,
As I end this night and start a new day.

----dfav
10/26/2020