Ephesians 5:4
What is written? (ESV)
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
What does it say?
Don’t speak foolishly or with filthiness or crude joking. These things have no place in a Christian’s life, that instead should be in thankfulness to God.
What is its immediate context?
After urging the Christians in Ephesus to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit” (4:3), he encourages them to be “imitators of God” (5:1) and to “walk in love” (5:2).
How Ephesians 5:4 is applied across Bible answers
Should a Christian use profanity?
Continuing the context,1 the Christian's whole attitude should be one of thanksgiving (gratefulness to God) - a disposition which should not allow for filthy, foolish, or crude speech.
