The Need for Wholesome Talk – Ephesians 4:29

When exposing our olfactory sense to the odour of rotten fruit or rancid fish from a tightly sealed room we’re horror-struck and sickened to the gut. Something happens to the dead matter that makes it totally unpalatable. It’s as if the smell is from hell itself.

We find the same offensive effect with our use of speech and language if we’re not careful. The biblical charge is this: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV) It is amazing how deep Scripture goes; whole theses could be, and indeed have been, written just on this single verse or passage (4:25-5:2).

The Greek concept of the word for the NKJV “corrupt word” is sapros, communicating words and language that’s worthless, unprofitable, worn out, and past its use-by date i.e. those converted are not to use it. It includes foul and polluting language, and is importantly linked to the negative emotion of sinful anger. How often have we fallen into the trap of allowing vengeful, corrosive words to purge from our mouths--due to uncontained, improperly dealt-with anger?

There is an extensive liturgy to go with this theme. Go to Matthew and we see 7:1-2; 12:33-34 and 15:11 discussing criticism, and the heart/mouth connection with language. We are purveyors of fruit, whether it’s good or bad (Matthew 7:17-18). James 1:26; 3:6, 9-12; 4:11; and 5:9 go into it, again in passionate detail. The broader lesson is contained in Mark 7:14-23. What comes out of us makes us unclean; our speech is merely a re-presentation of our hearts.

Probably the most important exhortation here is the lifting up of those in most need. Grace ought to be imparted particularly to these. Both needy individuals and groups need our encouragement and uplifting words.[1] In today’s terms these are particularly the mentally disadvantaged, those socially and culturally cut off, and those also physically disadvantaged. It’s particularly relevant to children. To encourage a ten year old boy who is overweight--and at risk of being ridiculed by team mates--to enjoy a team game of tee ball by uplifting him with words of love and strength is a good illustration. We see the response in his behaviour as he lights up with enthusiasm and we want to do it so much more. There’s the miracle.

We also find within Ephesians 4:29 the need to account for each and every word. The Greek word, Pas communicates this in this context. Indeed, it’s not just here we find we’re accountable for every word.[2] The tongue, James says (3:1-12), is not able to be tamed, yet we are to, according to Paul, control every single word; it’s no easy mission is it? But, we’re to make the most of every opportunity we have to use speech and language appropriately (See also Ephesians 5:15-17).

Our speech should always make the bad better, and not make the bad worse, in every circumstance in life.[3] Our motive in communication should be to communicate for the benefit of all who might be listening. “All our conversation, when heard, should confer grace to our hearers.”[4]

Klyne Snodgrass says, “We [too often] fail to realize the power and dignity of language.”[5] It’s how we set up our worlds. Christians are called to become “communications majors.”[6] With speech we either pollute or establish--it’s our choice.

Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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ENDNOTES:
[1] Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians – An Exegetical Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2002), p. 629-30.
[2] Harold W. Hoehner, Ibid., p. 631. Among others, the passages in Ephesians 5:15-17 and Philippians 4:5 carry warnings for a time when judgment will come.
[3] Harry Uprichard, A Study Commentary on Ephesians (Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 2004), p. 267.
[4] Harry Uprichard, Ibid., p. 267.
[5] Klyne Snodgrass, The NIV Application Commentary – Ephesians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1996), p. 259.
[6] Klyne Snodgrass, Ibid., p. 259.