You may find it both enjoyable and meaningful to consider the accompanying chart that sets out some contrasts that you find in Ephesians chapters 4 and 5.

Some Contrasts in Ephesians Chapters 4 and 5

But the apostle Paul gives us counsel and warns us not to grieve God’s holy spirit. (Read Ephesians 4:25-32.)

An examination of Ephesians 4:25-32 will show us how we should conduct ourselves, and it can help us to avoid grieving God’s spirit.

⁴ As we examine chapter 4 of Ephesians, we will see why unity requires effort, how Jehovah helps us to unite, and what attitudes will help us to remain united.

Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you along with all badness.” (Eph. 4:29, 31)

Be quick to commend rather than to criticize or complain. (Read Ephesians 4:29.)

In harmony with Ephesians 4:29, how can we build others up?

13. What would be the result if we did not heed the counsel found at Ephesians 4:25-32?

¹³ Ephesians 4:25-29 identifies conduct that we should specifically avoid.

What would be the result if we did not heed the counsel found at Ephesians 4:25-32?

“Let a rotten saying not proceed out of your mouth, but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.”​—EPHESIANS 4:29.

21, 22. What benefits do we derive from participating in spiritual conversations?

²¹ “Let a rotten saying not proceed out of your mouth,” counseled Paul, “but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29; Romans 10:10)

We can build others up with what we say by being quick to commend but slow to criticize or complain. (Eph. 4:29)

Our goal should always be to ensure that what we are about to say will be upbuilding, refreshing, and “beneficial to the hearers.”​—Eph. 4:29.

A few simple words from the heart may be exactly what your fellow believer needs to remain faithful for another day or to feel better about his situation.​—Prov. 12:25; Eph. 4:29.

One way is by being careful about what we say. (Eph. 4:29)

Have you put away any practices that displease Jehovah, such as living immorally, using tobacco, or using foul or abusive language? (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:29)

Help such ones by speaking words that are “good for building up.” (Eph. 4:29)

We express our love for our brothers and sisters by the way we treat them. (Eph. 4:29, 31–5:2)

Then, whether we say a little or a lot, our speech will build others up, and we will make Jehovah proud of us. (Prov. 23:15; Eph. 4:29)

Yes, we may identify many opportunities to say “what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers.”​—Eph. 4:29.

And try to mention the good that you see in others.​—Eph. 4:29.

Paul exhorted all Christians to speak “what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial” to others. (Eph. 4:29)

We should seize opportunities to commend one another because such expressions are “good for building up.” (Eph. 4:29)

The Bible admonishes us: “Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers.”​—Eph. 4:29, 31.

In conversations with fellow believers, we use words that build up rather than tear down. (Eph. 4:29)

A husband and a wife can reinforce their marriage with good communication by saying “only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial” to their spouse.​—Eph. 4:29.

Galatians 1-6; Ephesians 1-6; Philippians 1-4; Colossians 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-6–2 Timothy 1-4

​—Based on Acts, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1 John, Revelation.

I knew the Bible counsel recorded at Ephesians 4:29: “Let a rotten saying not proceed out of your mouth.”

A Solution:

When you talk to others about your mate, share “whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Speak what is “good for building up.” (Eph. 4:29)

He is thereby equipped to heed the counsel found at Ephesians 4:26, 29: “Be wrathful, and yet do not sin . . .

In the congregation, all can learn to laugh with and enjoy one another, keeping conversations and our teaching manner upbuilding and positive.​—2 Cor. 13:10; Eph. 4:29.

Therefore, let us sincerely communicate encouraging things to others, “whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.”​—Eph. 4:29.

Accordingly, instead of using speech that is undignified, negative, critical, or hurtful, mature Christians strive to build up, comfort, console, and encourage. (Prov. 12:18; Eph. 4:29; 1 Tim. 6:3-5, 20)