Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, &c.] As unsavoury speech, foolish talking, light and frothy language, that which is filthy, unprofitable, noxious, and nauseous, and all that is sinful; such as profane oaths, curses, and imprecations, unchaste words, angry ones, proud, haughty, and arrogant expressions, lies, perjury, &c. which may be called corrupt, because such communication springs from a corrupt heart; is an evidence of the corruption of it; the subject matter of it is corrupt; and it conveys corruption to others, it corrupts good manners; and is the cause of men's going down to the pit of corruption: wherefore a restraint should be laid upon the lips of men; men…”

“corrupt--literally, "insipid," without "the salt of grace" (Col 4:6), so worthless and then becoming corrupt: included in "foolish talking" (Eph 5:4). Its opposite is "that which is good to edifying." communication--language. that which, &c.--Greek, "whatever is good." use of edifying--literally, "for edifying of the need," that is, for edifying where it is needed. Seasonably edifying; according as the occasion and present needs of the hearers require, now censure, at another time consolation. Even words good in themselves must be introduced seasonably lest by our fault they prove injurious instead of useful. TRENCH explains, Not vague generalities, which would suit a thousand other cases…”

“Let no corrupt communication proceed - see the notes on 1 Corinthians 15:33. The word rendered “corrupt” (σαπρὸς sapros) means bad, decayed, rotten, and is applied to putrid vegetable or animal substances. Then it is applied to a tree that is of a useless character, that produces no good fruit; Matthew 7:17. Then it is used in a moral sense, as our word “corrupt” is, to denote that which is depraved, evil. contaminating, and may denote here anything that is obscene, offensive, or that tends to corrupt others. The importance of this admonition will be appreciated when it is remembered: (1) That such obscene and filthy conversation prevailed everywhere, and does still among the pagan. So…”

“But that which is good - Profitable to the speaker and hearers. To the use of edifying - To forward them in repentance, faith, or holiness. That it may minister grace - Be a means of conveying more grace into their hearts. Hence we learn, what discourse is corrupt, as it were stinking in the nostrils of God; namely, all that is not profitable, not edifying, not apt to minister grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:30”

“4:29 Believers are to learn new patterns of speech to be an encouragement to others (see also 5:3-4, 12).”

“no: Eph 5:3, Eph 5:4; Psa 5:9, Psa 52:2, Psa 73:7-9; Mat 12:34-37; Rom 3:13, Rom 3:14; Co1 15:32, Co1 15:33; Col 3:8, Col 3:9, Col 4:6; Jam 3:2-8; Pe2 2:18; Jde 1:13-16; Rev 13:5, Rev 13:6 that which: Deu 6:6-9; Psa 37:30, Psa 37:31, Psa 45:2, Psa 71:17, Psa 71:18, Psa 71:24, Psa 78:4, Psa 78:5; Pro 10:31, Pro 10:32, Pro 12:13; Pro 15:2-4, Pro 15:7, Pro 15:23, Pro 16:21, Pro 25:11, Pro 25:12; Isa 50:4; Mal 3:16-18; Luk 4:22; Co1 14:19; Col 3:16, Col 3:17, Col 4:6; Th1 5:11 to the use of edifying: or, to edify profitably, Eph 4:12, Eph 4:16 minister: Mat 5:16; Pe1 2:12, Pe1 3:1 Ephesians 4:30”