Your words will ultimately express your inner life!
We can express words to project an image of who we want people to believe but, in the end, our words will reveal who we really are.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 5:
4“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”
This verse is part of Paul’s instruction on how believers are to live as those who belong to Christ. The surrounding context (Ephesians 5:1–8) contrasts the old sinful way of life with the new life of holiness.
Paul begins by saying:
“Be imitators of God… and walk in Love” (Ephesians 5:1–2).
He then warns against behaviors that are inconsistent with a Holy life:
- Sexual immorality
- Impurity
- Greed
- Corrupt speech
Verse 4 shifts from sinful actions to sinful speech.
Three Types of Speech to Avoid
1. “Filthiness”
The Greek word refers to shameful or obscene speech.
This includes:
- Vulgar language
- Dirty stories
- Speech intended to stir up lust
- Words that degrade God’s gift of sexuality
Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 12:
34 But you who are known as the Pharisees are rotten to the core like venomous snakes. How can your words be good if you are rotten within? For what has been stored up in your hearts will be heard in the overflow of your words!
35 “When virtue is stored within, the hearts of good, upright people will produce good fruit. But when evil is hidden within, those who are evil will produce evil fruit.
36 You can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he has spoken.
37 Your very words will be used as evidence, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty.”
In Ephesians chapter 5, Paul isn’t merely policing vocabulary; he is addressing the condition of the heart.
2. “Foolish Talk”
This means speech that is:
- Empty
- Morally senseless
- Spiritually unprofitable
It doesn’t necessarily mean humor or casual conversation.
Instead it refers to speech that reflects someone who has no regard for God.
Examples:
- Constant gossip
- Meaningless arguments
- Boastful talking
- Conversations centered only on worldly pleasures
Proverbs repeatedly warns about this type of speech.
3. “Crude Joking”
The Greek word (eutrapelia) originally described someone who could turn a conversation quickly or cleverly.
Over time it came to describe:
- Double meanings
- Sexual innuendo
- Sarcastic ridicule
- Clever jokes that entertain by dishonoring others or glorifying sin
Paul is not condemning laughter.
The Bible actually encourages joy.
Examples include:
- Sarah laughing (Genesis 21)
- “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22)
Rather, Paul warns against humor that:
- Makes sin seem funny
- Humiliates people
- Desensitizes the conscience
- Normalizes impurity
Many modern comedians build entire careers around exactly the type of humor Paul warns against.
“Which Are Out of Place”
Paul says this type of speech is not fitting for someone who belongs to Christ.
The Greek idea is that it is inconsistent with your new identity.
A believer has become:
- A child of God
- A temple of the Holy Spirit
- A representative of Christ
Our words should reflect that identity.
“But Rather Giving of Thanks”
This is the positive replacement.
Christianity doesn’t simply say:
“Stop talking this way.”
It says:
“Replace it with something better.”
Thanksgiving transforms speech because it focuses the heart on God.
A thankful person naturally speaks:
- Blessing instead of cursing
- Encouragement instead of tearing down
- Worship instead of vulgarity
- Gratitude instead of complaining
Notice that Paul doesn’t merely prohibit; he redirects.
Why Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving changes perspective.
Instead of:
- Craving more
- Entertaining sin
- Complaining
the believer remembers:
- God’s grace
- Christ’s sacrifice
- Eternal hope
- Daily blessings
Gratitude leaves less room for corrupt speech because it fills the heart with worship.
A Biblical Principle
This verse fits a larger New Testament teaching:
- Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.”
- Colossians 3:8 — Put away “obscene talk.”
- Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
- James 3:9–10 — The tongue should not both bless God and curse people made in His image.
Paul consistently teaches that transformed hearts produce transformed speech.
Before speaking, it can be helpful to ask:
- Does this honor Christ?
- Does this build someone up?
- Would I say this if Jesus were physically present?
- Does this make sin seem attractive or Holiness more desirable?
- Does this reflect gratitude to God?
If the answer is no, it is worth reconsidering.
Our words reveal what fills our hearts. When Christ shapes our inner life, our conversations increasingly become marked by Truth, purity, kindness, Wisdom, and thankfulness.