What does Ephesians 4:29-31 exhort believers to avoid and to pursue in their speech?

• A. Speak frequently and loudly to expose sin among believers.
• B. Do not let unwholesome talk come from your mouths; speak only what is beneficial for building others up; remove bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and slander.
• C. Keep all speech private and silent to avoid offense.
• D. Greet everyone with flattery to gain influence.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how believers should use their words: avoid harmful, corrupt speech and instead speak in a way that builds others up and shows grace to listeners. Ephesians 4:29-31 emphasizes letting no unwholesome talk come from our mouths, but only what is good for building others up, so that it may give grace to those who hear. It also urges putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander.

This fits well because it ties speech to spiritual life—talk that tears others down grieves the Spirit who sealed believers for redemption. So words aren’t just personal choices; they reflect alignment with God’s work in a community. Understanding this helps you see why wholesome, uplifting speech is what these verses promote.

Other options miss the point because they either advocate behavior that harms or manipulates others (loudly exposing sin, flattery for influence) or promote silence and withdrawal (keeping speech private to avoid offense). None of those align with the call to speak in a way that builds up and extends grace to those who hear.