Ephesians 4:31

Bitterness. Gr. pikria, “bitterness,” that is, metaphorically, of temper, character, and disposition. An embittered person is in a state of continual antagonism to his fellows, thus lacking unity with them (cf. Acts 8:23; Rom. 3:14). For a catalogue of evils similar to those listed here see Col. 3:8.

Wrath, and anger. Gr. thumos kai orge. Thumos denotes a momentary furious and excited state of mind; orge, a permanent condition of resentment and enmity (cf. on Rom. 2:8).

Clamour. Gr. krauge, “an outcry,” “loud quarreling.” The quarrel between Pharisees and Sadducees over the doctrine of the resurrection was a krauge (Acts 23:9).

Evil speaking. Gr. blasphemia, “blasphemy,” “slander,” “railing.” Clamor soon becomes slander in an effort to ruin the reputation of others. All the evils mentioned in this passage tend to disturb the unity of the body of believers, raising barriers between those who should be drawn together by virtue of their common citizenship in heaven.

Malice. Gr. kakia (see on Rom. 1:29). Some see a natural order in Paul’s list of evils: Bitterness soon becomes a passionate and explosive wrath, wrath merges into a persistent anger, anger leads to unseemly brawling, brawling is always accompanied by abuse or slander, and all of it springs from a satanic malice lodged in the hearts of men. All of them are to be put away; they are all part of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21).