Ephesians 5:6-21
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Light versus Darkness
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath(A) is coming on the disobedient because of these things.[a] 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light(B) in the Lord. Walk as children of light(C)— 9 for the fruit of the light[b] results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth(D)— 10 discerning(E) what is pleasing(F) to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless(G) works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made clear,(H) 14 for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:
Consistency in the Christian Life
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time,[d](L) because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand(M) what the Lord’s will(N) is. 18 And don’t get drunk(O) with wine,(P) which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:(Q)
19 speaking to one another
in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and making music
from your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for everything
to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another
in the fear of Christ.(R)
Footnotes
- Ephesians 5:6 Lit sons of disobedience
- Ephesians 5:9 Other mss read fruit of the Spirit
- Ephesians 5:14 This poem may have been an early Christian hymn based on several passages in Isaiah; Is 9:2; 26:19; 40:1; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1.
- Ephesians 5:16 Lit buying back the time
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