Ephesians 4:25-5:20

Holman Christian Standard Bible

²⁵ Since you put away^(A) lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,^(B)[a] because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^(C)[b] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. ²⁸ The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share^(D) with anyone in need. ²⁹ No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,^[c] so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit.^(E) You were sealed by Him^[d] for the day of redemption.^{(F) 31} All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind^(G) and compassionate^(H) to one another, forgiving^(I) one another, just as God also forgave you^[e] in Christ.

5 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. ² And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us,^(J) a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. ³ But sexual immorality^(K) and any impurity^(L) or greed^(M) should not even be heard of^[f] among you, as is proper for saints. ⁴ Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. ⁵ For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral^(N) or impure^(O) or greedy^(P) person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom^(Q) of the Messiah and of God.

Light versus Darkness

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath^(R) is coming on the disobedient because of these things.^{[g] 7} Therefore, do not become their partners. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light^(S) in the Lord. Walk as children of light^(T)— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[h] results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth^(U)— ¹⁰ discerning^(V) what is pleasing^(W) to the Lord. ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless^(X) 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,^{(Y) 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,^[j](AC) because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand^(AD) what the Lord’s will^(AE) is. ¹⁸ And don’t get drunk^(AF) with wine,^(AG) which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:^(AH)