10 Sealed in the Spirit

The self-centered vices in conduct and speech (vv. 3-4) are the opposite of the self-sacrificing love spoken of in verses 1-2. Since these vices portray selfishness and unconcern for others, a believer should not have even a hint of these sins in his life. Sexual immorality (porneia), any kind of impurity, and greed are improper for (lit.” should not be named among”) believers. God’s holy people are literally, “saints.” Improprieties in speech—obscenity (aischrotēs, “shameless talk and conduct”), foolish talk (mōrologia, lit., “stupid words”), and coarse jesting (eutrapelia, “vulgar, frivolous wit”)—are out of place for Jesus’ followers, because such vices often harm (cf. 4:29), whereas thanksgiving is appreciation for others and is helpful. Paul was not saying that humor itself is sin, but that it is wrong when it is used to destroy or tear down others. Coarse talk must be replaced with thanksgiving. When we do this we are mindful of all Christ has done for us and how then we should behave.