Ephesians 5:15-21
English Standard Version
15 (A)Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 (B)making the best use of the time, because (C)the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what (D)the will of the Lord is. 18 And (E)do not get drunk with wine, for that is (F)debauchery, but (G)be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in (H)psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 (I)giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father (J)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 (K)submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
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Ephesians 5:15-21
The Message
11-16 Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
17 Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
18-20 Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge drafts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.
Relationships
21 Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.
Read full chapterThe Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson