Ephesians 4:29

Commentary on Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV): “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Context and Theological Insights

Ephesians 4:29 is part of a broader passage (Ephesians 4:25–32) where the Apostle Paul provides practical instructions for Christian living. This section of scripture emphasises the transformation that should occur in the lives of believers as they put off the old self and put on the new self in Christ.

Ephesians 4:25–32 (NKJV): “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,’ for we are members of one another. ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labour, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Teaching from Ephesians 4:29

1. The Power of Words: Paul instructs believers to avoid “corrupt” words, which can be understood as foul, abusive, or harmful speech. Instead, Christians are called to use words that build up and edify others. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the power of the tongue, as seen in Proverbs 18:21 and James 3:5-6 [10].

2. Edification and Grace: The purpose of our speech should be to edify, or build up, others. This means speaking in a way that is constructive and beneficial, providing encouragement and support. Paul emphasises that our words should “impart grace to the hearers,” reflecting the grace we have received from God [6].

3. Transformation of the Believer: Ephesians 4:29 is part of Paul’s broader teaching on the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. This transformation involves putting off the old self, characterised by sinful behaviours, and putting on the new self, which reflects the character of Christ. This includes a transformation in how we speak and interact with others [2].

Application to Modern Christian Living

1. Speech in Daily Life: In modern Christian living, Ephesians 4:29 challenges believers to be mindful of their speech in all contexts, including personal conversations, social media, and public discourse. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and Christians are called to use their words to build up others and reflect the love of Christ [7].

2. Encouragement and Support: Believers are encouraged to use their speech to provide encouragement and support to others, especially within the church community. This involves being intentional about speaking words that are kind, uplifting, and grace-filled [6].

3. Reflecting Christ’s Character: As followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His character. This means avoiding gossip, slander, and harmful speech, and instead speaking truthfully, kindly, and with love. By doing so, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in our lives [11].

Bibliography