Matthew Henry Commentary Ephesians 4:25-28

"Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need." — Ephesians 4:25-28 (ASV)

Notice the specific ways in which we should adorn our Christian profession. Beware of everything contrary to truth. No longer flatter or deceive others. God's people are children who will not lie, who dare not lie, who hate and abhor lying. Beware of anger and ungoverned passions.

If there is just cause to express displeasure at what is wrong and to reprove, ensure that it is done without sin. We give place to the devil when the initial impulses of sin are not grievous to our souls, when we consent to them, and when we repeat an evil deed. This teaches that, just as sin, if yielded to, lets the devil in, we must resist it, avoiding all appearance of evil.

Idleness makes thieves. Those who will not work expose themselves to temptations to steal. People ought to be industrious, so they can do some good and be kept from temptation. They must labor, not only so they can live honestly, but also so they may have something to give to meet the needs of others. What then must we think of those called Christians, who grow rich by fraud, oppression, and deceitful practices!

Alms, to be accepted by God, must not be gained by unrighteousness and robbery, but by honesty and industry. God hates robbery for burnt offerings.