Ephesians 4:28-29

4:28

He who – start of another admonition

has been – present participle; started in the past and continues to the present

stealing – taking what belongs to another—materially or otherwise

must – emphatic demand

steal no longer – change of lifestyle and habit

but – contrast

must – another demand, replacing negative with positive

work – get a job, contribute to society instead of leaching like a parasite

doing something useful – builds self-esteem and confidence

with his own hands – manual labor; keeps the hands and mind busy

that – in order to be able to…

he may have something – material gain

to share – instead of taking, he gives

with those in need – instead of thinking of self, actively showing concern for others

4:29

Do not let – Fourth in the series of 6 direct commands

any – not even one

unwholesome – unhealthy, unhelpful, destructive; NLT = foul or abusive: foul – offensive, suggestive, off-color; abusive – hurtful, derogatory, cutting

talk – speech, words, sounds

come out – escape

of your mouths – The tongue is the most difficult member to tame. Why is it then that my speech generally is well-tamed, but I cannot control other urges?

but – contrast; replace the negative with a positive

only – limitation, boundary, dog on a leash

what is helpful – needed, desired, refreshing

for building … up – edify, contribute to the others’ feeling, being and doing: better, stronger, more proficiently than previously. Enabling fellow-believers to grow more like Christ

others – this is brotherly-love, Christian love in action: to show concern for and give aid to others in the body of Christ

according to – as dictated by, guided by

their needs – not my needs but theirs. Lord, in our Home Bible Study Group, open my eyes and ears to sense their needs. Move my gaze, my attention, from self to others and their needs. I think You are doing this somewhat already. But I invite You to do it more.

that – in order that, with the goal of

it – my helpful speech

may benefit – bring good to, help, encourage, strengthen, soothe, calm, cheer—meet whatever need God reveals they have

those who listen – Many people have hurts that I am not called to address. But those in our Bible Study Group each week listen to me and discuss with me. As I listen, help me hear. Then as they listen, help them hear You and help me give a benefit. Correction: Please give a benefit through what and how I reply to them.