Paragraph 4:29–32

In this paragraph, Paul gave additional commands about proper Christian behavior for the Ephesians. He lists speaking words that encourage others, being careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit, getting rid of bad behavior, and being kind to others and forgiving others.

4:29a

Let no unwholesome talk: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as unwholesome talk is literally “corrupt talk.” It refers to words that hurt other people. It may include things like profanity, talking in rude or coarse ways, insulting people and saying hateful things about people.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

foul or abusive language (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
say anything that would hurt ⌊another person⌋ (God’s Word)

come out of your mouths: The clause come out of your mouths is a figure of speech that simply means that we should not say or speak unwholesome things. This sentence may be unnatural if you translate it literally in your language. Translate this in a natural way in your language. For example:

Do not let harmful talk be on your tongue/lips
-or-
Never say profane things

4:29b

but: The conjunction but here introduces a contrast. In 4:29a Paul told the Ephesians what they should not do. Here he is telling them what they should do. Translate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

instead
-or-
but rather

only what is helpful: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as what is helpful is literally “any good (word).”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

good and helpful (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
what is good (God’s Word)
-or-

⌊say⌋ only what helps other people

for building up the one in need: The phrase for building up means to “encourage” or to “make stronger/mature ⌊in their faith⌋.” See how you translated the similar phrase “built up” in 4:12b.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

to become stronger ⌊in their faith⌋
-or-
that cause others to trust Christ/God more
-or-
that help others to be more mature ⌊in their relationship/walk with Christ⌋
-or-
that they would stand strong ⌊in Christ⌋

4:29c

bringing grace to those who listen: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bringing grace is literally “give grace.” It means to “do good” or “give help.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
so that what you say will do good to those who hear you (Good News Translation)

See grace, Meaning 5 in the Glossary for more information.

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