Ephesians 5:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

NIV: Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

NASB: Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

CSB: So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

NLT: Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

KJV: Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

NKJV: Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Based on his commands to walk with wisdom (Ephesians 5:15) and make the most of each opportunity (Ephesians 5:16), Paul concludes that Christians should not be reckless or unwise in our lifestyle choices. Paul referred to some "foolish" actions and talk in Ephesians 5:4. Here, he reminds readers that foolishness contradicts God's desire for our lives. Further, Paul was well acquainted with the Proverbs, which frequently note the negatives associated with foolishness (Proverbs 10:1; 14:17; 15:20; 17:25; 19:13; 21:20; 30:32). Those who are wise refrain from foolish living.

In contrast, Paul urged readers to recognize God's will. He speaks about God's will throughout this letter (Ephesians 1:1, 5, 9, 11; 6:6). Paul saw himself as an apostle by the will of God. All believers are adopted as sons through Jesus by His will (Ephesians 1:5). God's revelation contains the clear will of God. Those who study God's Word will become familiar with God's perspective on life's issues (2 Timothy 3:16).

Further, prayer and the wise words of other mature believers can assist us. These tools help us better determine specific applications of God's will to areas of our life. When we turn from foolishness, we can focus more clearly on understanding God's desires for our lives.

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.