Sunday, March 22, 2026
Let no corrupt word proceed out of our mouth. It is corrupt,filthy, moral defilement,foolish puts you in spiritual danger.
Scripture and ancient Jewish texts emphasize that our speech should be holy and set apart, reflecting the nature of Yahusha and the guidance of the Ruach Ha'kodesh.
Biblical Instructions on Language
The Bible contains several direct commands to avoid "corrupt" or "filthy" language, often teaching that words reveal the true state of a person's heart:
Ephesians 4:29: This verse instructs us to let no corrupt word proceed out of our mouth, but only what is good for edification, so that it may impart grace to those who hear it.
Colossians 3:8: Believers are told to put away anger, wrath, malice, and "filthy communication" from their speech.
Matthew 12:34–37: Yahusha taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks," and that every idle word will be judged.
Ephesians 5:4: Explicitly discourages "filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting," which are considered unfitting for the set-apart people of Yah.
James 1:26: Warns that if someone thinks they are religious but does not "bridle" their tongue, their religion is worthless.
Other Ancient and Traditional Texts
Beyond the standard canon, other ancient writings and traditions highlight the spiritual danger of bad language:
The Talmud: Teaches that vulgar speech impacts the inner self, imprinting on the mind and heart, and is considered a step toward spiritual regression.
The Didache: An early Christian document (c. 1st century) that lists "foul language" as part of a lifestyle leading to death, even stating that it can "breed adultery".
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In ancient Hebrew and the context of the teachings of Yahusha, words for "corrupt" or "filthiness" often carry deep spiritual or moral weight rather than just describing physical dirt. These terms show how speech affects the soul and the presence of the Ruach Ha'kodesh.
1. Alach (אָלַח) – To be Morally Corrupt
This is a primary root word used in the Tanakh (Old Testament) to describe someone who has become "filthy" or "tainted" in a moral sense.
Meaning: It literally means to "muddle" or "turn sour," like milk that has gone bad.
Usage: It appears in Psalm 14:3, describing humanity turning aside to become "corrupt" or "filthy".
2. Tum’ah (טוּמְאָה) – Uncleanness / Filthiness
While often used for ritual impurity (like touching something dead), it is also used figuratively for moral defilement.
Meaning: This refers to a state of being "unclean" or "impure".
Usage: In Ezekiel 24:13, it is translated as "filthiness" to describe lewdness and sin that prevents a person from being "purged" or made clean.
3. Sapros (σαπρός) – Rotten or Putrid (Greek context)
In the Renewed Covenant (New Testament) teachings of Yahusha, the Greek word sapros is frequently translated as "corrupt" or "unwholesome".
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In ancient texts and the teachings of Yahusha, the "evil tongue" is not just about "bad words" but is a spiritual condition that impacts your relationship with the Ruach Ha'kodesh.
1. Lashon Hara (לשון הרע) – The Evil Tongue
In the Hebrew tradition, Lashon Hara literally means "the evil tongue". It is the specific prohibition against speaking negatively about others, even if the information is true.
Biblical Source: Psalm 34:13 is the primary source, commanding: "Guard your tongue from evil [lashon'cha me'rah], and your lips from speaking deceit".
Spiritual Weight: Ancient sages taught that Lashon Hara is as serious as idolatry, murder, and forbidden sexual acts combined. It is seen as "character assassination," because once words are spoken, they cannot be retracted.
2. Tzara'at – The Physical Consequence
In the Torah, the "evil tongue" is directly linked to Tzara'at, a supernatural skin condition often translated as leprosy.
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations
The Lesson of Miriam: Miriam was struck with this disease after speaking against her brother Moses.
Spiritual Sickness: This ailment was understood as a physical manifestation of a spiritual impurity caused by harmful speech.
3. The Fire of the Tongue (James 3)
The writings of James (Ya’akov) provide a vivid warning about the tongue's power to corrupt:
A World of Iniquity: James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of evil... it corrupts the whole person".
Deadly Poison: It is called a "restless evil, full of deadly poison" that no human can tame without divine help.
Hypocrisy: It is considered unfitting for a follower of Yahusha to use the same mouth to bless Yah and curse men made in His image.
4. Grieving the Ruach Ha'kodesh
Followers are warned that "corrupt communication" or a "foul mouth" (Nivul Peh) directly contradicts the indwelling of the Ruach Ha'kodesh.
Ephesians 4:29-30: Commands that no "rotten" (sapros) word should proceed from the mouth, because such speech "grieves the Ruach Ha'kodesh".
The Heart's Overflow: Yahusha taught in Matthew 12:34 that the mouth only speaks what is already in the heart. Therefore, an "evil tongue" is proof of a heart that needs the purifying work of the Spirit.
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How to stop? Remember, your words must pass two barriers before they are released into the world.
Ancient wisdom, particularly from the Chafetz Chaim (the definitive 19th-century text on the laws of speech) and the teachings of Yahusha, provides practical "fences" to guard the tongue and stay aligned with the Ruach Ha'kodesh.
1. The "Silence" Rule (Siyag la-Chokhmah)
The Sages taught that "Silence is a fence for wisdom." Before speaking, ancient wisdom suggests a three-second pause.
The Filter: Ask yourself: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If it doesn’t pass all three, the Ruach Ha'kodesh is likely prompting you to remain silent.
2. Avoid "Avak Lashon Hara" (The Dust of Evil Speech)
This refers to comments that aren't directly evil but "kick up dust" that leads to it.
The Fence: Avoid excessive praise of someone in front of their enemies, as it often provokes the listener to point out that person's flaws.
Practical Step: If a conversation turns toward someone’s character, steer it back to neutral topics or physical facts (like the weather or a project) to kill the momentum of gossip.
3. The "Judge Favorably" Principle (Dan le-Khaf Zechut)
The teachings of Yahusha emphasize that the measure you use to judge others will be used on you (Matthew 7:2).
The Fence: When you hear something bad about someone, intentionally search for a meritorious explanation. If you assume they had a good reason or a bad day, you won't feel the urge to spread the "news."
4. Guard Your Ears (Shemirat Ha-Oznayim)
Ancient wisdom teaches that the listener is just as guilty as the speaker.
The Fence: If someone starts speaking Lashon Hara, you should physically leave or change the subject immediately. The Sages noted that fingers were shaped like pegs so they could be put in the ears to "plug" out evil speech.
5. Focus on "Lashon HaTov" (The Good Tongue)
Instead of just trying not to say bad things, proactively use your mouth for Edification.
The Fence: Make it a habit to speak "words of Torah" or praise for Yah throughout the day. A mouth filled with the praises of Yahusha and the fruit of the Ruach Ha'kodesh has no room for "rotten" (sapros) talk.
6. The "Double Gate" Reminder
Ancient Hebrew physiology taught that Yah gave man two ears and one mouth so we would listen twice as much as we speak. Furthermore, the tongue is the only organ hidden behind two gates: the teeth and the lips.
The Fence: Use the "Double Gate" as a physical reminder: your words must pass two barriers before they are released into the world.
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Meaning: It describes something that is decaying, like rotten fruit or putrid meat that emits a foul odor.
Usage: In Ephesians 4:29, it warns against "corrupt" speech—meaning words that are "rotten" and "worthless," doing the opposite of building up others.
4. Nivul Peh (ניבול פה) – Foul Mouth
This is a term used in ancient Jewish literature (like the Talmud) to specifically address vulgar or "disgraceful" speech.
Meaning: It is derived from the word nevela (נבילה), which means a "carcass" or something dead and decaying.
Usage: It describes speech that is "dead" and brings "contamination of the Neshomah (soul)".
5. Tso'ah (צוֹאָה) – Filth / Excrement
This is one of the strongest words for "filth" in the Hebrew Bible.
Meaning: It literally refers to "dung" or "excrement".
Usage: In Isaiah 28:8, it describes tables "full of vomit and filthiness," and in Zechariah 3:3-4, it describes "filthy garments" that must be removed for a person to be spiritually restored.
Following the guidance of the Ruach Ha'kodesh means avoiding words that are alach (corrupt) or sapros (rotten), so that our speech remains "set apart" as followers of Yahusha.
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus): Part of the Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, these texts (specifically chapters 17, 20, and 23) contain warnings against habitual swearing and "ribaldry".
Jewish Philosophical Texts: Philo of Alexandria argued that a person's speech should be an interpretation prompted by the Ruach Ha'kodesh, meaning the "Divine Spirit" should dictate words that express holiness.
The Role of the Ruach Ha'kodesh
The Ruach Ha'kodesh is described as the "Spirit of Truth" that teaches believers how to walk in the will of Yah. Speaking corruptly is said to "grieve" the Ruach Ha'kodesh, as it contradicts the spirit of holiness that should dwell within a follower of Yahusha
Christ'yal Ooten
ref..Wikipedia,Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations,Truth For Life,My Jewish Learning
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