nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (a) Jests which men cast at one another: that no lightness is seen, nor evil example given, nor any offence made by evil words or backbiting.
These vile lusts were rife among pagans and must be cut out by the roots. Do not name them as though they were acceptable; hate them utterly as befit the saints. Guard even against foolish talking and jesting that cheapen what is holy.
AI summary
Commenting on Ephesians 5:3-20
Verse 4. Neither filthiness. That is, obscene or indecent conversation. Literally, that which is shameful, or deformed-- αισχροτης. The word does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. Nor foolish talking. This word--μωρολογια--does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means that kind of talk which is insipid, senseless, stupid, foolish; which is not fitted to instruct, edify, profit--the idle chit-chat which is so common in the world.