Lorenzo Palon

 29Let 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. - Ephesians 4:29 NASB

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth“ – This phrase originally referred to something rotten or decaying, like a crumbling stone or bad fruit¹. Over time, it came to mean anything “corrupt,” “depraved,” “vicious,” “foul,” or “impure.” In this context, it specifically addresses the teachings and behaviors of false teachers. It does not include jokes or vulgar language (see Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 4:6). Jesus also taught that speech reflects the true nature of a person’s heart (see Mark 7:15, 18-23).

The importance of controlling our speech and language cannot be overstated. The very words that come from our mouths can paint a vivid picture of who we are as individuals. It’s not simply about adhering to social norms or avoiding being labeled as prudish. There’s a fundamental difference between the speech of those who walk the path of righteousness and those who conform to the ways of the world. We are to be distinct, recognizable by our refusal to engage in the profane and vulgar conversation that saturates our surroundings. Our speech should be uplifting, encouraging, and beneficial, reflecting the love and grace that we have received.

“but only such a word as is good for edification“ – One indication of spiritually bestowed gifts from God is that they serve to edify the entire body (see Rom. 14:13-23; 1 Cor. 14:4, 5, 12, 17, 26). It is imperative for believers to live, give, and minister for the well-being of the Body (the church, cf. 1 Cor. 12:7), rather than for their own individual interests (cf. Eph. 4:3). Once again, the collective aspect of biblical faith is underscored over individual freedom (cf. Rom. 14:1-15:13).

“that it may give grace to those who hear“ – In context this cannot mean “grace,” as in salvation, but goodness or favor to other believers, especially those tempted and tested by false teachers (cf. 2 Pet. 2:1-21) and the pull of one’s previous life in paganism (cf. 2 Pet. 2:22). The term “grace” is similarly used in 2 Corinthians 1:15 (“that you might have a second benefit”) as also in 1 Thessalonians 3:10, where it is written, “to perfect that which is lacking in your faith.” In other words, Paul says, serve as a conduit for grace to flow into the lives of others, that they may grow and mature in their faith. 

In Colossians 4:6, we are instructed to use words that build up and provide spiritual blessings², tailored to the specific needs of the moment. This underlines the significance of edifying speech, which aligns with the foundational principles of spiritual gifts. When evaluating the genuineness of spiritual gifts, it is essential to consider whether they center around Jesus Christ, emanate from a foundation of love, and ultimately serve to edify the church.

The correlation between spiritual gifts and our speech becomes evident. Is our speech centered on Christ, driven by love, and designed to build and uplift the church? These are the critical questions that guide us in assessing the nature of our words. Our speech not only reveals our innermost thoughts and beliefs but also plays a pivotal role in showcasing our true character and values. As Jesus conveyed, it is not what enters a person that defiles them, but rather what proceeds from within. In our fastidiousness about external behaviors, we must not overlook the profound impact of our words in shaping perceptions of our authentic selves. What we say and how we live converge to illuminate the essence of who we truly are.

In summary, Christians, particularly the young people, can contribute to the health and growth of the body of Christ by applying these practical principles in their own individual lives:

1. Guard Your Speech: Recognize the power of your words to build up or tear down. Guard against using profane or vulgar language, and instead, strive to speak uplifting, encouraging, and beneficial words that reflect the love and grace you have received.
2. Edify Others: Use your words to edify and provide spiritual blessings to others. Tailor your speech to the specific needs of the moment, offering goodness and favor to fellow believers, especially in times of testing and temptation.
3. Align with Spiritual Gifts: Evaluate whether your speech aligns with the foundational principles of spiritual gifts. Center your words around Christ, base your words on a foundation of love, that they may ultimately serve to edify the church.
4. Reflect on Your Speech and Character: Regularly check the nature of your words. Ask yourself if your speech reveals your innermost thoughts and beliefs, and if it aligns with your true character and values. Strive to ensure that your words and actions converge to showcase the essence of who you truly are.

1. “The basic meaning of the term is “rotten” or “putrid.” It was used to refer to rotted wood, diseased lungs, rancid fish, withered flowers, and rotten fruit.26 Although never used in the LXX, it does appear in the gospels to refer to the kind of fruit a bad tree bears (Matt 7:17–18; Luke 6:43) and the kind of fish that need to be thrown away (Matt 13:48). Here it is used metaphorically to describe an indecent kind of speech that he will elaborate on in 5:4. The image of rottenness suggests that Paul wants believers to develop a kind of “gag reflex” to unhealthy ways of talking that will repulse them and cause them to clean up the way they speak to each other.” – Ephesians: Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament Clinton E. Arnold ↩︎
2. In another Epistle Paul says, “Let your speech be seasoned with salt.” (Col 4:6.) Here a different phrase is employed, if any (speech) be good to the use of edifying, which means simply, if it be useful. The genitive, of use, may no doubt be viewed, according to the Hebrew idiom, as put for an adjective, so that for the edification of use (πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν τὢς χρείας) may mean for useful edification; but when I consider how frequently, and in how extensive a meaning, the metaphor of edifying occurs in Paul’s writings, I prefer the former exposition. The edification of use will thus mean the progress of our edification, for to edify is to carry forward. To explain the manner in which this is done, he adds, that it may impart grace to the hearers, meaning by the word grace, comfort, advice, and everything that aids the salvation of the soul. John Calvin’s Verse Commentary
   by John Calvin (1509-1564) ↩︎