In some instances we may hear "evil communications" when we are definitely in the line of duty and where we may not be free to leave. We might be doing our work faithfully and as unto the Lord and have to remain; it may also be that the conversation is not intended for our ears, and, due to all the circumstances, it would be out of place for us to "break in" to "reprove" those who speak. At such times the word in Eph. 5:1111And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11) is important:
“HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH the unfruitful works of darkness.”
We should be very careful that under no circumstances we have "fellowship" with what is said or done when it is evil. Sometimes we little realize how easily fellowship may be expressed. Just a smile is sufficient to implicate us; therefore we should be very careful what we smile at. It would indicate that our righteous souls are not much vexed by the filthy conversation when we can smile or laugh at it. It certainly indicates a very low state of soul when a child of God is not distressed by hearing defiling conversation or the name of his God taken in vain. May we so breathe the atmosphere of heaven that we shall not inhale the impure air of the defiled earth without feeling it. To express fellowship with evil defiles us, and it lends encouragement to the ungodly in the very things that are going to bring the wrath of God upon them, for we read: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be ye NOT THEREFORE PARTAKERS with them." Eph. 5:6,76Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (Ephesians 5:6‑7).