Ephesians 4:25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25 (KJV)
Context
The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to believers in Ephesus, emphasizing their unity in Christ. In Ephesians 4, he moves from doctrine to practical living, urging Christians to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. The word “Wherefore” connects this verse to the preceding passage (Ephesians 4:17-24), where Paul describes putting off the old self, corrupted by deceitful desires, and putting on the new self, created in the likeness of God. Thus, the command to put away lying is a direct application of the transformation that has taken place in every believer.
Meaning
“Putting away lying” means rejecting intentional deception, whether through false statements or distorting the truth. Lying is contrary to God’s nature, for He is truth. The Greek word for lying here is “pseudos,” meaning falsehood. Instead of lying, Paul instructs believers to “speak every man truth with his neighbour.” This is not merely avoiding falsehood but actively speaking truth as an expression of the new nature in Christ. Truthfulness is a fundamental aspect of Christian character, and our words should reflect the truth of God’s Word, spoken in love.
The reason for this command is profound: “for we are members one of another.” Believers are intimately connected as parts of one body in Christ. This interconnectedness means that our words and actions affect others within the body. When we lie, we harm the unity and trust among believers; when we speak truth, we build up the body and promote its well-being.
Biblical connections
This verse echoes the Old Testament command in Zechariah 8:16 to “speak every man the truth to his neighbour,” showing continuity in God’s moral standard. As believers, we are to imitate Christ, who is the embodiment of truth.
Application
Practically, this means rejecting lying in all its forms—whether in business, family, or church relationships. It calls us to be people of honesty and integrity, whose words can be trusted. Speaking the truth must be done with love and grace, building up others rather than tearing them down. When we recognize our interconnectedness, we understand that our honesty strengthens the whole body of Christ.
Reject lying and embrace truth: As followers of Christ, we are called to reject falsehood and deceit in all areas of life. Honesty should define our speech and conduct.
Speak truth with love: While it is essential to speak the truth, we should do so in a loving and gracious manner, building up others and reflecting Christ’s character.
Recognize our interconnectedness: We are not isolated individuals but members of the body of Christ. Our actions and words affect others, so we should strive to uphold truth and promote unity.
Reflection
Ephesians 4:25 calls us to a higher standard of speech because we belong to one another in Christ. As we put off the old self and put on the new, our words should increasingly reflect the truth of God. Let us examine our hearts and ask God to help us speak truthfully, lovingly, and for the good of the whole body.
