⁴ By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

¹⁸ for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart.

¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.