The term "unwholesome" in a biblical context often refers to that which is morally or spiritually detrimental, corrupt, or impure. It is used to describe speech, behavior, or influences that are contrary to the teachings and character of God as revealed in Scripture. The Bible provides guidance on avoiding unwholesome influences and encourages believers to pursue that which is pure, edifying, and aligned with God's will.

Unwholesome Speech

One of the most direct references to unwholesome speech is found in Ephesians 4:29, which states, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse emphasizes the importance of using words that edify and encourage others, rather than those that corrupt or harm. The Apostle Paul instructs believers to be mindful of their speech, ensuring it reflects the grace and truth of Christ.

Unwholesome Behavior

Unwholesome behavior is often associated with actions that are sinful or contrary to the teachings of Scripture. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "acts of the flesh," which include behaviors such as sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery. These actions are considered unwholesome because they lead individuals away from a life that honors God. Believers are called to live by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Unwholesome Influences

The Bible warns against the influence of unwholesome company and teachings. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This highlights the danger of associating with those who may lead one away from righteous living. Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:16 advises, "Avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness." Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with influences that promote godliness and spiritual growth.

Pursuit of Wholesomeness

The pursuit of wholesomeness involves a commitment to purity in thought, word, and deed. Philippians 4:8 provides a framework for this pursuit: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on these virtues, believers can cultivate a life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers away from unwholesome influences and towards a life of holiness. In John 16:13, Jesus promises that the Spirit of truth will guide believers into all truth. The Spirit empowers Christians to discern between what is wholesome and unwholesome, enabling them to live in a manner that pleases God.

In summary, the concept of unwholesomeness in the Bible encompasses speech, behavior, and influences that are contrary to God's will. Believers are called to reject these and pursue a life characterized by purity, edification, and alignment with the teachings of Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit.4550. sapros -- rotten, worthless
... quality" (, 1, 65.28). Word Origin from sepo Definition rotten, worthless NASB
Word Usage bad (7), unwholesome (1). bad, corrupt. From sepo ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4550.htm - 7k

The War in Heaven.
... And therefore they have no wholesome indignation against wrong and
wrong-doers, and a great deal of unwholesome tenderness for them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxi the war in.htm

Impressive Phrases
... B. bad, vicious, unwholesome, and distressing. ... novel, recent, rare, and unusual.
noxious, unwholesome, mischievous, and destructive. O. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

God's Approbation of his Works
... 5. The element of air was then always serene, and always friendly to man. It contained
no frightful meteor, no unwholesome vapours, no poisonous exhalations. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 56 gods approbation of.htm

Naaman Cured.
... It is a wholesome pride that prompts us to work at anything rather than be dependent
on other men, but it is a most unwholesome and ignorant pride that forbids ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/naaman cured.htm

Cholera, 1866
... Meanwhile, take this lesson at least home with you, and teach it your children day
by day"that filthy, careless, and unwholesome habits of living are in the ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xvii cholera 1866.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... The pastry cook stirs honey for a long time to give it this light color, and to
make its sweetness milder and less unwholesome: you must explain how this can ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

On Sleeping in Church
... God. Some are so unfortunate as to be always indisposed on the Lord's day,
and think nothing so unwholesome as the air of a church. ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on sleeping in church.htm

Ignorance of the Seed Makes no Difference.
... must be kept out, just as industriously as the farmer cultivates the useful products
of the soil, but wages continual war on weeds and all unwholesome growths. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vi ignorance of the.htm

Introductory Notice to Alexander, Bishop of Lycopolis.
... he was divinely reclaimed, and, taking refuge in the Church, he exposed the scandals
attaching to the heresiarch, and solidly refuted his unwholesome dogmas. ...
/.../alexander/of the manichaeans/introductory notice to alexander bishop.htm

La Brea
... and to live in that wholesome and calm attitude of wonder which we call awe and
reverence; that so he may be delivered from the unwholesome and passionate fits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

Unwholesome (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unwholesome (1 Occurrence). Ephesians 4:29 Let
no unwholesome words ever pass your lips, but let all your ...
/u/unwholesome.htm - 6k

Unwilling (30 Occurrences)

/u/unwilling.htm - 14k

Kid (42 Occurrences)
... which regards it as "a protest against cruelty and outraging the order of nature."
A kid cooked in its mother's milk is "a gross, unwholesome dish, and ...
/k/kid.htm - 20k

Noxious (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Hurtful; harmful; baneful; pernicious; injurious; destructive; unwholesome;
insalubrious; as, noxious air, food, or climate; pernicious; corrupting to ...
/n/noxious.htm - 7k

Noisome (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Noxious; harmful; dangerous; as, a noisome odor; hurtful; mischievous;
unwholesome; insalubrious; destructive; as, noisome effluvia. ...
/n/noisome.htm - 9k

Unwell (3 Occurrences)

/u/unwell.htm - 7k

Impure (28 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Not pure; not clean; tainted; dirty; foul; filthy; containing something
which is unclean or unwholesome; mixed or impregnated extraneous substances ...
/i/impure.htm - 14k

Fits (2 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome words ever pass your lips, but let all your words
be good for benefiting others according to the need of the moment, so that ...
/f/fits.htm - 6k

Benefiting (1 Occurrence)
... Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome words ever pass your lips, but let all your words
be good for benefiting others according to the need of the moment, so that ...
/b/benefiting.htm - 6k

Benefit (39 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome words ever pass your lips, but let all your words
be good for benefiting others according to the need of the moment, so that ...
/b/benefit.htm - 19k

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