Ephesians 4:29 – Word that makes a difference

Let no tainted word at all be issuing out of your mouth, but if any is good toward needful edification, that it may be giving grace to those hearing.

All the practical guidelines Paul gives here aim to translate the value of his teaching into walk (4:1). In doing so, he always outlines the contrast between the old and the new humanity. In the previous verse it was about the use of the hands (stealing versus sharing), in this verse it is about the mouth and what goes out from it. So about ‘word’.

The old humanity is mortal and subjected to corruption (:22). This is also characteristic for the word which the old humanity speaks. It is spoiled. It is contrasted with the new humanity which begins with the resurrection of Christ and thus with the victory over death. The word of the old humanity means decay. That of the new humanity is good and builds up. Word of the old humanity is empty and void. The speaking of the new humanity on the other hand meets needs.

Word of the old humanity depresses. But word from the new humanity gives grace to the listeners, Grace, that is, joy for free. It makes you happy!

Delen: