Ephesians 5:14-21

New International Version

¹⁴This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,^(A)
rise from the dead,^(B)
and Christ will shine on you.”^(C)

¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live^(D)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity,^(E) because the days are evil.^(F) ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^(G) ¹⁸Do not get drunk on wine,^(H) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,^(I) ¹⁹speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(J) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰always giving thanks^(K) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households^(L)

²¹Submit to one another^(M) out of reverence for Christ.

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Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

New International Version

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time^(A) for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,^(B)
³    a time to kill^(C) and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴    a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶    a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent^(D) and a time to speak,
⁸    a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.