What does Ephesians 5:6 mean?
Speaking of unbelievers (Ephesians 5:5), Paul warns Christians not to be misled by worldly arguments. Unbelievers can trick believers into sexual immorality or foolish talk, usually by suggesting that there's no real harm in it. Believers are not immune to sexual temptation (Hebrews 4:15), but are empowered to recognize it, resist it, and replace it with godly actions (1 Corinthians 10:13). The reference to "empty words" may allude to Psalm 41:6, which speaks of the "empty words" of God's enemies.Paul then reminds his readers of the future of those who seek to deceive them: the judgment of God. The "wrath of God" was mentioned by Jesus (John 3:36), and often by Paul (Romans 1:18; 5:9; 12:19; Colossians 3:6), as well as the apostle John (Revelation 14:19; 15:1, 7; 16:1; 19:15). This judgment again reflects Paul's belief that those who do not imitate God are unbelievers and will experience God's wrath. Believers, in contrast, are saved from the wrath of God by the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9). Again, this is not a reference to occasional sins, but to those who "walk," or make a habit of such behaviors.