ACC ~ Ephesians 4 v29a

ONE DOES NOT LIVE WELL WHO SPEAKS EVIL. AMBROSIASTER: To the servant of God, all things appear to have some aspect of good. This does not stain his purity in any respect. What use is it to have a clean life and a foul mouth? The Lord says that everyone will be justified or condemned by his own words.One who speaks ill cannot be thought to live well. Many vices are implied in speaking ill of another, whether this means talking basely or disparaging the good of another or telling deceitful tales or lies. All these are repugnant. But good and sober reports are gratifying to those who hear them. They set an example. God is glorified in such words, which build up faith in Christ. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 4.29.

LABOR FROM THE HANDS, NOT EVIL TALK FROM THE MOUTH. CHRYSOSTOM: What is corruption? It is what he elsewhere calls idleness: detraction, insult, facetiousness. This is how Paul trims away the roots of anger, by reducing lying, theft and even unseasonable speech. HOMILY ON EPHESIANS 14.4.29.

A GOOD WORD GIVES GRACE TO THE HEARER. JEROME: A good word is one that serves to build upon the occasion, communicating grace to the hearers because it teaches them to pursue virtues and shun vices. An evil word is one that prompts them to sin and rather drives them headlong into disaster. … Whenever we say what is not in season or inappropriate for the context, or that which does not contribute to the good of the hearers, an evil word proceeds from our mouth. … Even if we do no direct harm, yet we are not thereby building up. We shall pay the penalty of an evil word. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 2.4.29.

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