Ephesians 4:29 - Our Words Should Edify.
Ephesians 4:29 - Our Words Should Edify.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) 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.
Ephesians 4:29 (EAV) Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil
word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth,
but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual
progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it
may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear
it.
WORD STUDY
Corrupt or unwholesome talk. Foul speech is the sign of a
corrupt heart, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh" (Matt. 12:34). Profanity and obscene jests and songs, even the
frivolous and insipid conversation, have no place in the Christian's life;
indeed, they are the hallmark of the unregenerate spirit. [SDA Bible
Commentary]
We are counseled to let no corrupt communication proceed out of
our mouth; but a corrupt communication is not simply something that
is vile and vulgar. It is any communication that will eclipse from
the mind the view of Christ, that will blot from the soul true
sympathy and love. It is a communication in which the love of Christ is
not expressed, but rather sentiments of an un-Christlike character.
6BC1117
Edify or building others up. While speaking does not always have
to be of a somber or even serious character, it should always edify
or build up, making men better than they were before they heard the
words. As in v. 28 the Christian's work was to be for the benefit of
others, so here his words also are to be for the good of his fellow men.
[SDA Bible Commentary]
CONTEXT
Instructions for Christian Living: Ephesians 4:17-32.
You have been set free from the old life, so why live in those
old sins anymore? Anything evil from the old life that is brought
into the new life will give the devil a beachhead. Paul names such
things as lying, losing your temper, stealing, corrupt speech,
bitterness, and an unforgiving spirit. These sins invite Satan into your
life, and they hurt you, harm the church, and grieve the Spirit of
God. Is it worth it? [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren
Wiersbe re vv. 17-32]
We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us
against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger,
brawling, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that
way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Are you
grieving or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions? Act in love
toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love
by sending his Son to die for your sins. [Life Application SB re
vv. 28-32]
COMMENTARY APPLICATION re v. 29.
When Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus in chapter 4, he
instructed them about how to live differently from the way the ungodly do:
don't steal, work honestly, give generously, etc. In this verse,
however, he teaches about the importance of the words they speak, a
message just as applicable to believers in the twenty-first century as
to those early Christians. For most of us, "foul or abusive
language" isn't what trips us up. Instead, it's the critical, judgmental,
unloving, harsh, or subtly sarcastic words that slip out from time to time
and tear down the people around us (especially those we are closest
to). Paul holds us to a higher standard: speak only words that are
encouraging and words that build others up. In a moment of conflict,
irritation, or frustration, less-than-helpful words can so easily slip out
of our mouths. Oh, how we need the Holy Spirit to work Christ's
gentleness and love in our hearts so that the words we speak will truly be
words that give grace.
LORD, may my heart and words today be full of encouragement
and may they give grace to others. Work your gentleness and patience
in me so that I won't be so quick to respond in ways that don't
honor you. "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be
pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." [Praying Through The
Bible By Fuller re Eph. 4:29]
The Christian not only stops saying unwholesome things; he also
begins to say things that will help build others up. [NIV SB]
As part of Christ's body, believers must not use "foul or
abusive language." This includes gossip, slander, and coarse language
(swearing, telling coarse jokes, or otherwise speaking in an off-color
manner). Such speech is worthless, spreads worthlessness, and leads
hearers to think about worthless matters. Such speech does not please
God.
This can be a tough one, for words slip out quickly--especially
if we're frustrated or angry. At other times, we may change our
speech slightly in order to fit in with a particular group. Yet to be
transformed by Christ means the transforming of your mouth. If you want to
please God in your conversations, watch your words. They should be
clean and truthful, encouraging those who hear them.
Proverbs 15:28 says, "The heart of the godly thinks carefully
before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words."
Improper language should have no place in your conversation because it
does not reflect God's gracious presence in you. How can you praise
God and remind others of his goodness when you are speaking
coarsely? [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Eph.4:29]
Jesus said, "Whatever is in your heart determines what you
say" (Matthew 12:34). Now that your heart has been cleansed and
changed because of your new relationship with Jesus, the words you say
are going to change as well.
What does wise speech look like? Wise speech is made up of
words that are encouraging, uplifting, kind, and caring. Wise speech
gives good and helpful advice. Words are wise when they are well
considered before they are spoken, or are silent when silence is required.
Words are wise when they are filled with good motives and speak only
the truth.
As you seek to please God with your words, trust his Spirit to
help you. It may take time, so don't get discouraged. Perhaps you've
been used to gossiping, using coarse language, or speaking harshly to
others. Those habits will die hard, but the Spirit will go to work on
your words, helping you take control of what you say and how you say
it. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Pro.16:23]
The tongue is the indicator of the person. What we talk about
all the time is what we live. The words we use and the words we
don't use define what we are thinking, feeling, and becoming. [Karen
Burton Mains; Time with God devotional SB re Mat.12:34]
CROSS REFERENCE FOR FURTHER STUDY
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) Let your speech always be with grace,
seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Grace Notes:
http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
A Better Way to Live:
http://www.itiswritten.com/betterway/
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
More Spiritual Resources:
http://www.aBible.com
