Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."
Text: Ephesians 5:4
MIND YOUR LANGUAGE
The next focus of Paul was on “language”. The Christian must learn to guard his tongue most carefully.
FILTHINESS (“aischrotes”)
1. Lexical meaning- in general
This word covers a lot of ground. It is a reference to something base, wicked, and filthy.
2. Translation- In context
This word could be used to describe “filthy or obscene speech”. The words following would strengthen the case for understanding the word as a reference to “filthy speech” rather than “filthiness” in general.
FOOLISH TALKING (“morologia”)
1. Lexical meaning- in general
This word is a compound word. The two components are:-
a) Fool (“moron”)
This is not a description of a person with intellectual disability. Rather it is a reference to a person who appears to like filthy language, obscene jokes etc…
b) Words (logos)
The word “logos” would include “language’.
2. Translation
Foolish talking is an acceptable translation of the word “morologia”. The Christian is warned to avoid using obscene and foolish talking in daily speech.
COARSE JESTING (“eutrapelia”)
1. Lexical meaning- in general
This word could be used in a good sense. When so used, it describes wittiness in conversation.
2. In context
This word is also capable of being used in a bad sense. In which case, it may even be translated as “coarse jesting”.
Some employ their wit to tell obscene jokes. The believer is instructed to refrain from using his tongue in such a manner.