Often, gossip and slander spread partial truths mixed with falsehood to make the other person look bad. Do the same with your mate. Happy New Year: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives, 4. In Paul’s words, “what is good for edification.” Use words that will help the other person to grow in godliness. Their mouths will speak out of the sinful overflow of their hearts. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Ephesians 4:29 Let no * unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Let’s ask for His wisdom and help.”. In short, Ephesians 4:29 is a verse that would bring radical change in all of our relationships if we would apply it conscientiously: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”. Whenever you feel sick and go to the doctor, he will check your vital signs. Do we have freedom or responsibility to wear face masks during COVID-19? Ask a Question Got a Bible related Question? Matthew 12:33). 2:14), because all complaints are ultimately directed at God, who sovereignly ordains our circumstances. Several verses later Paul writes, “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). Sometimes gossip and slander may be true, but the one you’re telling has no need to know the information. There is a story in the Jewish Talmud about a king who sent two jesters on an errand. Labels may be useful in identifying where a person is at on an issue, but they become harmful when we use them too quickly to write off someone because of some association. 5:20-21a) “enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying….” Jesus said (Matt. Ephesians 4:4-6 ~ Bible Study Questions on "Preserving the Unity of the Spirit" is the last of 8 parts to The Bible Teaching Commentary on Ephesians 4:1-6. William Penn said, “If you think twice before you speak once, you will speak twice the better for it. Ask Us! A bitter word may hate instill; First-century Christians had a keen interest in one another’s welfare and shared appropriate information about fellow believers. After the three definite exhortations, Ephesians 4:25-26; Ephesians 4:28, now follow more general and comprehensive ones. Ephesians 4:29-31 The New Life 29 b 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 c grace to those who hear. The aim should be to help your child grow in godliness, not to get revenge or to intimidate. We all allow our anger to get the best of us at times. Sometimes, long after we should have … (NASB: Lockman)Greek: pas logo s sapro s ek tou stomato s humon me ekporeuestho, alla ei ti s aga thon pro s oikodomen tes chreias, hina d o charin toi s akouousin. Connected by καί with what precedes; hence not, with Lachmann and Tischendorf, to be separated by a full stop from Ephesians 4:29, by which there would result an exhortation too indefinite in the connection. Ephesians 4:29-32 The New Life. Q. Paul is saying that…. I do not advise it, but if you turn on any TV show on any night of the week, you will not have to watch very long before you hear examples of speech that tears down others. But it should be done calmly with careful thought, not in the heat of anger. We have sinned in our anger and given the devil a foothold. An unknown poet wrote (ibid., #6380, p. 1421): A careless word may kindle strife. It contaminates. It’s a no-brainer: after both of them have spent the day thinking such sinful thoughts about each other, they aren’t going to have a wonderful evening together when he gets home from work! 29 b 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 c grace to those who hear. 12:18). Rather than using your words to tear down others, use them to build up others. Never just lash out, even if the person is in the wrong. Ephesians 4:29, ESV: "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." But when our response involves “rage, anger, harsh words, and slander” (Ephesians 4:31, NLT), we have crossed a line. Encourage them in areas where they are doing well. Need some help understanding theology? 15:19), “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” He also said (Matt. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group. When we are wronged or feel unfairly disadvantaged, we naturally want to retaliate or “fix the problem” in the fastest way. Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, New International Commentary on the New Testament by F.F. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2008, All Rights Reserved. It is also used of rotten fish (Matt. Ephesians 4:29 - NKJV. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of … A timely word may lessen stress; You haven’t changed his nature, which is prone to pride and self-seeking. Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”. But, whether the other person’s comments are accurate or not, that person has a need and your words can either be like sword thrusts or like a scalpel that brings healing (Prov. It’s okay.”. … Transformed talk is implicit in truthful speech, in righteous anger, and in not stealing, since stealing usually involves lying. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. As we’ve seen (4:22-24), Paul has taught us that believers will put off the old way of life, be renewed in their minds, and put on the new way of life, which is consistent with being a new creature in Christ. 30 And d do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, e by whom you were sealed for the day of f redemption. Ephesians 4:25-29 The New Life. Questions. If parents practiced this verse toward their children, we would see few children from Christian homes rebel against their parents. In this passage, Paul is emphasizing the positive over the negative. In short, Ephesians 4:29 is a verse … So be careful! Think about how you can speak in such a way that will build up your mate. Ephesians 4.29. They won’t know it if you don’t put it into words. Never mock something that a person cannot change, such as a physical feature or a family background issue. Paul specifically hits this (5:3-4). If you teach an unbeliever how to communicate in a nice way, you’re just putting a tuxedo on a pig. If you want God to transform your speech in line with our text, you should not be watching, much less laughing at, shows where the “humor” comes from the people putting each other down. He will take your temperature, your blood pressure, and your heart rate. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition © The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Spiritual Life, Basics for Christians, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. Often it is coupled with exaggeration, such as, “you always,” or “you never.”. The deeds of the flesh include (Gal. Those in the world gripe and complain about everything, as you know if you have served in the military. If you don’t understand the person’s needs, even well intentioned words can often hurt more than they heal. (Ephesians 4:29) Let us discuss why we need to keep on guard when it ... Not if we mean innocent conversation in which we might share positive or helpful news, such as who just got baptized or who needs a word of encouragement. These small group studies of Ephesians contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Ephesians 4:29 29 b 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 c grace to those who hear. 4:4-7), http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByScrip. He digs in his heels, and she clams up in anger. Simon bowed low and grinned. How do you plan to change? He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo... More, 4. Perhaps the person offered a pat solution to your problem, but it was useless advice because you felt that he didn’t really hear what your need was. 29 b 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 c grace to those who hear. He instructed them, “Foolish Simon, go and bring me back the best thing in the world. What is the meaning of “redeeming the time” in Ephesians 5:16? 13:4). Meanwhile, she does the same: “That man is so insensitive to my feelings!” She cries her eyes out and maybe calls up her friend and commiserates about how difficult it is to live with such a monster. What are spiritual blessings? The Greek word translated “unwholesome” means “rotten” or “foul.” It originally referred to rotten fruit and vegetables. The Greek word does not imply weakness, but rather strength under control. DAY TWO Questions and Answers. Instead, catch your kids doing something right and praise them for it! A joyous word may light the day. Grace extends to others what God has extended to you. 26 w Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and x give no opportunity to the devil. What is the spirit of wisdom and revelation in Ephesians 1:17? And grieve not (which would take place by means of λόγοι σαπροί) the Holy Spirit of God. We’ve all had the frustrating experience of trying to talk to someone who wasn’t really listening. Read more Share Copy Put on righteous anger, being careful not to let it spill over into sinful anger, which would give Satan a foothold in your life (4:26-27). It is used (Matt. What are the other 2 commandments restated in Chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians? He deserves to be put down!” But, grace is undeserved favor! The negation is not to be separated from the verb. This is often expressed not only by words, but also by facial expression and body language. These questions arenot examination questions with right or wrong answers. How do you confront in love? 5:18). Then he goes from preaching to meddling by getting very specific: Put off falsehood and speak truth (4:25). But the Christian uses godly speech to glorify his Savior. Read the Bible. Home >> Bible Studies >> Ephesians Studies >> Ephesians 1:1-10 These small group studies of Ephesians contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Try as we may, we all have erred with our tongues! Most of the “humor” on TV sitcoms comes from husbands and wives, parents and children, or coworkers putting each other down! What does it mean to be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)? If parents practiced this verse toward their children, we would see few children from Christian homes rebel against their parents. Now, he says that Christians must transform their talk. He knows what the vital signs of a healthy body should be and he compares your vital signs with the standard to determine just how sick you really are. James 3:2 says, “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” While we may never achieve perfect control over our tongues, I’m convinced that if husbands and wives would consistently apply Ephesians 4:29, we would rarely see divorce. While we may never achieve perfect control over our tongues, I’m convinced that if husbands and wives would consistently apply Ephesians 4:29, we would rarely see divorce. What are the prison epistles? Is it wrong to tell this person how he makes you feel? Most of the “humor” on TV sitcoms comes from husbands and wives, parents and children, or coworkers putting each other down! 13:48). These are questions on the biblical text of Ephesians. Ask a Question . Paul says that you must use words of edification, “according to the need.” This implies that you are sensitive enough to understand what the person’s real needs are. Gentleness means thinking about how the other person feels and how your words will make him feel. Coupled with listening well is…. We also want to help you use the text in real life. Just as you can often tell where someone is from by his accent, so people should be able to tell that you’re a Christian by your transformed talk. Proverbs 18:13 states, “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” To listen well, you’ve got to ask clarifying questions so that you really understand the other person. And, it smells bad and creates an unpleasant atmosphere for anyone who gets near it. 30 And d do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, e by whom you were sealed for the day of f redemption. Where would you start? This includes using shortened forms of the Lord’s name, such as (I would not even say it, but I often hear Christians say it), “O Jeez!” The same applies to the frequently used expression, “O my God!”. But, that is a characteristic of the old life, not of our new life in Christ. It includes all dirty jokes and using words for sex, which ought to be sacred, as swear words. The apostle Paul wrote, “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). 1. It is a completely new motive stemming from the new birth. The image in Paul's mind is probably one of rottenness and decay, something that is spoiled. Discuss in light of Romans 6:1-14; 1 Cor. Feel free to use, copy and modify these free Bible Study questions as needed. The Search OF the Savior: Why Jesus Came, Part 2 (Gal. A cruel word may wreck a life. I’m not talking about preaching or using Scripture to berate the other person, but rather, using Scripture as God has taught you. 13:4). Using manipulative speech to get your way is a form of deception. 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