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

Instructions for Christian Households(I)

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

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15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. 16 (A)Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. 17 Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

18 Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 (B)Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

Wives and Husbands

21 Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ.

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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.

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15 Be careful, then, how you live,[a] not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.(A) 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.(B) 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,(C) 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to one another, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,(D) 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,(E) 21 being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.

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Footnotes

  1. 5.15 Gk walk