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
In this verse, the apostle Paul is addressing the early Christian community in the city of Ephesus and instructing them on how to live as followers of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of speaking in a way that is uplifting and edifying to others, rather than engaging in speech that is negative or harmful. The word “unwholesome” refers to anything that is morally or spiritually harmful, and the phrase “according to their needs” suggests that our speech should be tailored to the needs of the person we are speaking to. The ultimate goal of our words is to benefit those who listen and to build them up.
In practical terms, this means that as followers of Jesus, we should strive to use our words to encourage, support, and uplift others, rather than tearing them down or speaking negatively about them. This can include things like offering words of comfort and encouragement, sharing positive words of affirmation, or offering helpful advice and guidance. By speaking in this way, we can help to create a more positive and supportive environment for those around us, and bring glory to God through the way we use our words.
