Let No Unwholesome Talk Come Out of Your Mouths

Ephesians 4:29

Sep 15, 2026

(Photo by Vincent Yap on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

In context, Paul is teaching believers to put off their old self and put on their new self. He then gives practical examples of what this new life should look like, including how we speak to one another.

We are called to not let unwholesome words come out of our mouths. The Greek word translated “unwholesome” means rotten, decayed or putrid. Think of spoiled fruit or rotten fish. Paul uses this word as a picture of speech that is corrupting, harmful or worthless. This can include vulgarity, slander, contemptuous speech, angry words, complaining, grumbling and other speech that tears people down. The surrounding verses specifically warn against bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, slander and malice.

Instead, we are called to speak words that build up those around us. Let your words be building blocks, not wrecking balls. Before you speak, ask yourself, “What does this person need to hear right now?” Sometimes they need encouragement. Sometimes they need truth or loving correction. Sometimes they simply need someone to listen and offer comfort. Our words should be appropriate to the need of the moment.

Let your words be a channel of God’s grace. Paul says our speech should give grace to those who hear. We have received God’s grace through Christ, so our words should reflect His kindness, truth and love toward others.

Your words should leave people better rather than wounded. Look for opportunities every day to encourage people, speak truth with love and point others toward Christ. Be a blessing to the people around you through the words you speak.~ Jeff M Newman

Latest Bible Study

Lesson 95 - 1 John 3:11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Keep Jesus’ commandments. Keep Jesus’ word. Obey His teaching. Repent.

John 8:51 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:21 (NIV) Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
John 14:23-24 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
John 17:6-8 I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. 8 For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
Revelation 3:3 Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.