01 · Read the passage
Ephesians 4:25-32
Scripture · Berean Standard Bible (BSB) · Public domain
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
26“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,
27and do not give the devil a foothold.
28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
32Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Verified source copy from the Free Use Bible API, retrieved 2026-09-22. Inspect source text.
02 · Understand the context
Read these words in their setting.
Editorial explanation · awaiting human review
Paul is writing about the shared life of people who belong to Christ. In Ephesians 4:17–24 he calls them to put off the old way of life and put on the new self. The instructions that follow make that change concrete in speech, work, anger, and relationships.
Verses 25–32 connect truthful speech with belonging to one another. Anger is not permission to wound someone. Paul warns against letting it become sin, and asks believers to speak in ways that build others up. The passage ends with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness grounded in what God has done in Christ.
This is more than a technique for sounding calm or winning an argument. It invites a changed response to another person, including honest acknowledgment when your words have caused harm.
Notice in the text
- What does verse 29 say your words should do for the person who hears them?
- Which behaviors are to be put away, and which are to take their place?
03 · Consider a faithful response
One step you can take.
Editorial application · consider your circumstances with wise counsel
- Identify one hurtful thing you said. Acknowledge it without defending it, and ask forgiveness without demanding an immediate response.
- Before your next conversation, write down the truth you need to communicate and one way to say it with kindness.
- If you become overwhelmed, ask for a pause and agree on a time to return. A pause can serve a truthful conversation; it should not become punishment or avoidance.
A prayer prompt
Lord, forgive my hurtful words. Help me speak truth with kindness and respond in a way that honors You.
Suggested words for prayer, not a quotation from Scripture.
Bring this into a real conversation.
Ask a trusted person: When do you notice me listening well, and when do I become defensive?
Choose a trustworthy person and a safe setting. Nēr supports life in the church; it cannot replace people who know and care for you.