Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:4

"nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks." — Ephesians 5:4 (ASV)

Paul has already warned against “unwholesome talk” (4:29) because of the harm it does to those who are compelled to hear it. Now he attacks it from another angle, because it is unseemly for Christians and usurps the place of praise. “Obscenity” is broadly equivalent to “filthy language” (Colossians 3:8); “foolish talk” is stupid chatter or silly twaddle. Along with “coarse joking,” these things must be repudiated. Instead, the Christian’s mouth should be continually filled with thanks to God (2:7; 5:18; Colossians 2:7; Colossians 3:15).