What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:31?

Get rid of all bitterness

Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that poisons relationships and distances us from God. Scripture warns, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15).

• Bitterness grows when hurt is not surrendered to the Lord.

• It chokes joy, making it impossible to “rejoice always” as commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

• Christ calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32), uprooting bitterness before it hardens our hearts.

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Rage and anger

Unlike righteous indignation against sin (Ephesians 4:26), rage and anger erupt from wounded pride and selfishness. Proverbs 29:22 observes, “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression”.

• Rage is explosive—destroying trust and safety.

• Persistent anger opens a foothold for the devil (Ephesians 4:27).

• The Spirit empowers us to exchange wrath for the fruit of peace and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23).

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Outcry and slander

Outcry (brawling, shouting) and slander (speaking evil of others) reveal hearts not ruled by Christ. James 3:9-10 notes, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men… this should not be”.

• Loud quarrels fracture unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21.

• Slander assassinates character, contradicting the call to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

• God desires words that build up, “giving grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

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Along with every form of malice

Malice is any ill-will or intent to harm—whether through actions, words, or subtle sabotage. 1 Peter 2:1 urges believers to lay aside “all malice and all deceit”.

• Malice mirrors Satan’s nature, not Christ’s.

• It violates the Great Command to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:39).

• The Spirit replaces malice with kindness and compassion, empowering us to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

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summary

Ephesians 4:31 calls believers to a thorough house-cleaning of the heart—discarding bitterness, unrighteous anger, destructive words, and every malicious intent. These attitudes grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and hinder the witness of Christ’s body. By yielding to the Spirit and embracing forgiveness, kindness, and love, we reflect the character of our Savior and cultivate unity within His church.