“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
Standards of speech for Christians are extremely high since “no unwholesome talk” is permitted. Similar themed verses in the Gospel of Matthew state “the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them”; and “a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17, 15:18)
Ephesians 4:29 is part of a section where the Apostle Paul describes the new life that results from the Gospel. Yet, the Law also continues to apply because of our sinful nature. The Law (10 Commandments) both forbids sinful behavior (“shall not”) and urges good works (“shall”). But as we inevitably fail to live up to such demands, forgiveness preserves and restores the harmony of the Church.
God’s blessings on your day…