Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear”

“Let”: We can use our tongues wisely, if we so choose. “This could be well translated ‘Stop it from going on'” (Boles p. 292). “No”: All corrupt speech is condemned. No situation allows us to use profanity or take God's name in vain. “Corrupt”: The word here means that which is rotten or worthless. “Foul word” (TCNT). “Bad language, crude, foul, base, low, worthless statements” (Caldwell p. 219). “Lit., rotten unfit for use, and then worthless, bad, suggests bad, profitless, of no good to any one” (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 347). “When applied to rotten talk, whether this is dishonest, unkind or vulgar” (Stott p. 188). “Foul language of any kind is inappropriate not only obscene vulgarity but slanderous and contemptuous talk, any talk that works to the detriment of the persons addressed” (Bruce pp. 362-363). “Good for edifying”: “A word as is good for edification” (NASV). “But let all your words be good for benefiting others” (Wey). Boles points out, “Bluntly stated, Paul's rule is this: ‘If you can't build up, shut up!' However, this does not call for constant false flattery (or any for that matter). Criticism can be edifying, when offered in the proper spirit” (p. 292). Constructive criticism and honest rebuke can build. person up (2 Timothy 4:2). The bottom line in our speech is, use speech that helps others spiritually. “As the need may be”: “As fits the occasion” (RSV). “For supplying help when there is need” (Robertson p. 541). See Proverbs 15:23; Proverbs 25:11). “That it may give grace to them that hear”: “That they may be. help to those who hear them” (TCNT). “Means of blessing to the hearers” (Wey) (Colossians 4:6). Our speech can be used for tremendous good or tremendous harm (Proverbs 12:18; James 3:1). “If we are truly. new creation of God, we shall undoubtedly develop new standards of conversation. Instead of hurting people with our words, we shall want to use them to help, encourage, cheer, comfort and stimulate them” (Stott p. 188). Every Christian is under the above obligation in their speech. Nobody has the right to "speak their mind", when such speech includes unscriptural concepts, irrelevant arguments, gossip, unjust or hypocritical criticisms and just plain ignorance.