Ephesians 4:29

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

Cross References

Matthew 5:16

In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.

Luke 4:22

So, everyone spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words coming from His mouth. They said, “Is he not Joseph’s son?”

John 1:37

[When] the two disciples heard him say that, they began following Jesus.

Romans 14:19

So then, let us pursue such things that produce peace and things that build one another up [spiritually].

Romans 15:2

[Instead], each of us should do what pleases his neighbor in order to accomplish something good and uplifting [in his life].

1 Corinthians 14:19

However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, so that I can instruct other people also, than to speak ten thousand words in a language [that people do not understand].

Ephesians 4:12

for the purpose of equipping the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] for the work of serving [others], in order to build up the [spiritual] body of Christ [i.e., the church].

Ephesians 4:16

From Him all [members of] the body are properly joined together by every supporting ligament, as each part contributes to the growth of the body and builds itself up through [mutual] love.

Colossians 4:6

Your speech should always be favorable, seasoned with salt [i.e., interesting and appropriate], so that you may know how to properly answer each person [you talk with].

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore, [continue to] encourage one another, and build each other up [spiritually], just as you are also doing.

1 Peter 2:12

You should live such good lives before [unconverted] Gentiles, so that even though they accuse you of being evildoers, by seeing your good deeds, they will [be led to] honor God [for you] on the day He visits us again [i.e., to bring judgment].

1 Peter 3:1

In the same way [that Jesus was submissive], you wives should submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even though they may not obey the [Gospel] message [they have heard] they may, without your talking [to them about it],

2 Peter 2:18

[Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world.