In Ephesians 4:29 we read:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
“Corrupting talk” can be any unkind or abusive language. We see this kind of talk often on some television shows. We see cursing and shouting, name calling, etc. We should never allow this type of communication to thrive in our homes. Replace this type of talk with loving, kind, encouraging words, between husband and wife, and with and between children in the home. Teach all members of the household to develop good speech habits, that build one another up.
Another type of “corrupting talk” is telling lies. Colossians 3:9-10 tells us:
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self, with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
A husband and wife should be completely honest with one another. There should be no secrets between them. In order for a man and woman to become one, they should be open and share their thoughts and feelings honestly. When they lie to one another, they corrupt the relationship they had and destroy trust. This includes financial assets; they should not keep secrets concerning what they possess. It also includes phone communications and any type of social media and internet activities.
Another way we sometimes use “corrupt talk” is to discourage one another, putting each other down. Paul said we should use language “for building up”. In Ephesians 6:4, he also says:
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
When we use discouraging language, for example, “Why can’t you make good grades (marks) like your sister?” we cause our children to give up trying and to see themselves as dumb, incapable. Instead, find ways to encourage, praise each member of the family. Find something that each one is good at. Maybe one is not good in math, but is good in languages. Praise each child (or spouse) at whatever they are doing well—even in sports, art, music, etc.—and patiently help them in areas in which they are not so successful. Praise should exceed criticism at a ratio of 10 to 1.