Obscenity foolish talk and course joking

 DEVOTION

THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS

OBSCENITY, FOOLISH TALK, AND COARSE JOKING

Eph 5:3-7

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.   6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

NIV

Because we have looked at the warning about sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, which are all improper for God’s holy people, we now can look at some other behaviors that are improper for us, as God’s holy people. Obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking all fit together as if they are one, yet there is a slight difference between baseness or lack of moral character which is the more direct meaning of the Greek word aischrotees which is translated here as obscenity, which would be said as being obscene, and foolish talking or course joking.  To have no moral compass is certainly improper for us as God’s holy people, as God should be our compass, the light that leads us into the truth, who sets our compass in the right direction. Left to our own devices we would be lost, having no moral compass to guide us along the path of life in Christ. This foolish talk or buffoonery, as the Greek word morologia is more directly translated, is simply sill talk, or ridiculous behavior that may be amusing, but is out of place for a believer. However, in another sense, this can also be seen as talking about useless things, spending our precious time talking about dumb stuff, is meaningless and of no value to the kingdom of God. Of course, we like to talk about various interests, such as sports, hobbies, books, or movies that we find some enjoyment in. That could qualify as foolish talk if we become obsessed with those things and forget about living for the kingdom. Then we have this course joking, which fits right in with foolish talk. Humor is one thing that might bring a smile and light heart in someone, but jesting in an unholy manner, which could be seen as making fun of someone, is not acceptable for God’s holy people. It is interesting the three Greek words in this passage are only found here in this letter to the Ephesians. If we see our moral compass being Christ, with the Holy Spirit helping us to follow the path God has set the direction of our compass, then we would think that any foolish talking and course joking would simply disappear from our path in life. In some sense, we are being admonished to leave behind the things of this world and walk a life of loving others, as Christ loved us. This also could be seen as being or taking our following Jesus seriously, as if our life depends on it, which it does, Let us examine ourselves and see if we need to make more adjustments in order to live with the compass of God, as His holy people.