Ephesians 5:3-4

‘But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as is becoming to those set apart, nor filthiness, nor foolish talking or jesting which are not befitting, but rather giving of thanks.'

These are in stark contrast to the sweet smelling savour. These smell rank and putrid in the presence of God. ‘Fornication' (porneia) - ‘every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse'. ‘All uncleanness' - (akatharsia), both violent and immoral, viciousness and immorality, the word is used literally of refuse and especially the defiling contents of graves. Thus that which is defiling and an abomination. Sexual misbehaviour and violent behaviour, and especially sexual perversions, are an abomination to God.

‘Or covetousness.' (Pleonexia). ‘Greediness, insatiableness, avarice, covetousness'. Greed, which means being taken up with ‘things' and wanting excess, and an insatiable desire for more than we have, is as abhorrent to God as sexual sin. For this is the equivalent of idolatry (Ephesians 5:5). It is to put them before Him. Rather we should ‘seek first the kingship of God and His righteousness' (Matthew 6:33).

‘Let it not even be named among you.' Christians should take no delight in talking about evil behaviour. It should only be mentioned where strictly necessary and only by those with responsibilities, for whom it is sadly sometimes necessary.

‘As is becoming to those set apart (to saints).' Those who are set apart to God as holy must be such as are pleasing to Him. To talk about such things unnecessarily would mar their holiness and the pleasure they bring Him, and would indeed make them contaminated.

‘Nor filthiness, not foolish talking or jesting.' The smutty remark, the laugh at unseemly behaviour are as bad as indulging in the acts themselves, and are as degrading and as abhorrent to God.

‘But rather giving of thanks.' This should be what fills the mouths of His people, this is what is befitting to saints. Worship, praise, gratitude and talking about the things of God are what should monopolise our tongues. For by our words and what we talk about we will be shown to be righteous and will finally be ‘justified' (Matthew 12:37).