Ephesians 4:25–32

Bible Studies for Life
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook

Connected Through Words

Ephesians 4:25–32

This passage divides into two parts: (1) Verses 17–24 describe six vices typical of first century pagans. (2) Verses 25–32 identify the virtues that characterize the new person in Christ. The goal of these virtues is found a few verses later in 5:2 where believers are called to “walk in love.” We are to cease from the worldly vices and follow the Christlike virtues in order to love others as Jesus commands us to do so.

Speak with Integrity (25–28)

“Be angry but do not sin” echoes the admonition found in Psalm 4:4. Scripture does not condemn the emotion of anger; it does condemn the mishandling of it. The Greek word for anger used here appears in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says that anyone angry with his brother is liable to judgment. The verb form denotes continuous action. Hence the New English Bible renders the phrase as “nursing” anger toward another. Grudges must be dropped, along with any other forms of anger that divide persons and churches.

Stealing also is forbidden. For those coming out of pagan society, where stealing was often an ordinary means of livelihood, these were no idle words of instruction. In 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Paul admonishes thieves and other sinners to realize that through Christ they are to live according to Christ’s ethics.

Verse 27 tells us not to “let the devil get a foothold.” An unresolved disagreement is a marvelous opportunity for the devil to sow seeds of dissension. Many a church has suffered the consequences of a few persons arguing and letting the sun go down on their anger.

Speak with Purpose: To Build Up and Benefit Others in the Church (29–30)

Believers who give in to worldly vices “grieve the Spirit.” Behind this warning is the terrible example of the Israelites who perished in the wilderness even after they had been delivered from Egypt. Isaiah 63:10 describes God’s response to their ungrateful behavior: “But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore He turned to be their enemy and Himself fought against them.” The sorrow of the Spirit is caused by rebellion against God.

The word “unwholesome,” used in Matthew 7:17–18, refers to rotten fruit. It means that which is worthless, bad or rotten. Our words do not have to be “dirty” to be worthless. Gossip, naysaying and condescending words are only a few examples of talk that is not necessarily nasty but is nevertheless profane. In contrast, the Christian is to speak his or her every word in a way that helps and edifies others. As James Moffatt translates it, Eliphaz the Temanite paid Job a tremendous compliment: “Your words have kept men on their feet” (Job 4:4). 

Speak with Grace (31–32)

“Anger, rage, malice, slander” are listed in Colossians 3:8 but here “bitterness” and “brawling” have been added. Paul goes on to offer three words intended to give the Christian contrast to these negative attitudes and behaviors. Kindness, compassion and forgiveness describe the positive disposition that Christ demands. In the first century the Greek word for kindness (chrestos) sounded so much like Christos (Christ) that the two words were often confused. The early church leader Tertullian commented on this confusion and went on to highlight kindness as one of the primary Christlike practices.

The reference to the “day of redemption” reminds the readers that human conduct will be subject to divine judgment. However, the primary concern of Ephesians remains the present life of the community. Relations with others are central to the concrete examples of the new Christian way of life. False speech, bitterness, anger, theft, slander and other vices destroy relationships. But with the Spirit’s help we can live as a transformed people who reflect the goodness and grace of our Lord.