Ephesians 5:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

NIV: It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

NASB: for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.

CSB: For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret.

NLT: It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.

KJV: For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

NKJV: For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

Putting his own warnings into practice, Paul does not describe every possible sin in gruesome detail. Rather, he notes that what unbelievers attempt to hide from the rest of the world is even more depraved than what is done openly. This approach offers important wisdom regarding how to address sensitive matters regarding sin and its impact among believers.

First, believers can condemn certain sins without going into detail about them. For example, rape is clearly a sinful action. However, it's not necessary to use vivid details when discussing it. In fact, this can be counterproductive. The same is true of sins of sexual immorality or violence. It is sufficient to teach against sins and avoid shameful details. In a more practical sense, this also means Christians don't need to investigate every sordid detail of something in order to determine whether or not it's suitable.

Second, believers can speak against sin without direct personal experience in that area. It has become a common response, for example, for some to say, "You can't speak against this problem (sexual sin, addiction, etc.) because you've never gone through it." Or, to suggest that those who have never tried certain sins are in no position to discourage them in others.

While it is true that those who have shared in a struggle may be able to help others in the same area more effectively, it is simply illogical to suggest that we should avoid speaking against any sin we have not personally experienced. One does not need to have personal experience with murder, rape, addiction, theft, or other issues to be correct when they condemn those actions. Christ was without sin, yet spoke against many sinful actions. He serves as the perfect example all believers are to follow. Humility and grace are important, but neither mean we cannot speak on a particular sin unless we have direct experience with it.

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul's invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Instead, believers ought to submit to one another out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.