Ephesians 4:31

31 Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.

Ephesians 4:31 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness
These words are a dehortation from several vices good men are liable to, by which the Spirit of God is grieved: "bitterness" sometimes designs the corruption of nature, which is the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity; and sometimes actual sins and transgressions, even those of God's own people, which are evil and bitter things; and sometimes heretical doctrines, which are roots of bitterness; and sometimes sinful words spoken by the saints, one against another; and here perhaps it signifies, the first offence taken in the mind, against any person, upon any account, which should at once be put away, and not encouraged:

and wrath:
heat of spirit, which follows upon bitterness, or upon the spirit being embittered and offended; see ( Ezekiel 3:14 ) .

And anger;
a sinful one, cautioned against before, ( Ephesians 4:26 ) .

And clamour and evil speaking;
such as brawlings, contentions, contumelies, reproaches, slanders arising from an embittered, wrathful, and angry disposition: these should all

be put away from you, with all malice;
being the deeds of the old man, unbecoming such as are born again, and grieving to the Spirit of God.

Ephesians 4:31 In-Context

29 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need -- words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.
30 And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God's proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes.
31 Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.
32 Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.