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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord&#8217s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Because of this, do not be foolish, but understand what <i>is</i> the Lord's will,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord <i>is</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord <i>is.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord <i>is.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />On account of this, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish <i>and</i> thoughtless, but understand <i>and</i> firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So don&#8217t be foolish, but understand what the Lord&#8217s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord?s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord's will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />On this account do not prove yourselves wanting in sense, but try to understand what the Lord's will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />do not become fools because of this, but—understanding what [is] the will of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Because of this, do not be foolish, but understand what <i>is</i> the Lord's will,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> because of this become not fools, but -- understanding what is the will of the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this be not foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore become not unwise, but understanding what is the will of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this reason, do not choose to be imprudent. Instead, understand what is the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore do not lack wisdom, but understand what the will of God is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Therefore do not be stupid, but understanding what the will of God is.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, be not ignorant, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore be not unwise, but understand whatsoever is the will of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore be not unwise, but intelligent concerning what is the will of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />wherefore be not imprudent, but consider what is agreeable to the divine will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />On this account do not prove yourselves wanting in sense, but try to understand what the Lord's will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For this reason, be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore be not thoughtless, but consider what <i>is</i> the will of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/5-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=944" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Children of Light</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>redeeming the time, because the days are evil. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">be</a> <a href="/greek/878.htm" title="878: aphrones (Adj-NMP) -- Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving.">foolish,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: syniete (V-PMA-2P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">understand</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord’s</a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēma (N-NNS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">will is.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:18</a></span><br />Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-12.htm">1 Corinthians 2:12-16</a></span><br />We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. / And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. / The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a></span><br />The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-6</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">1 Peter 4:2</a></span><br />Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5-6</a></span><br />Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a></span><br />Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a></span><br />The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.</p><p class="hdg">be.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15</a></b></br> See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a></b></br> Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.</p><p class="hdg">understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6</a></b></br> Keep therefore and do <i>them</i>; for this <i>is</i> your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation <i>is</i> a wise and understanding people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></b></br> Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></b></br> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that <i>is</i> wisdom; and to depart from evil <i>is</i> understanding.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Account</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/galatians/1-19.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/galatians/6-4.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Try</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Unwise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-17.htm">Wanting</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-23.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Account</a> <a href="/philippians/1-16.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-13.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-16.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Try</a> <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Unwise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Wanting</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">After general exhortations to love;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">to flee sexual immorality;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">and all uncleanness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">not to converse with the wicked;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">to walk carefully;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">and to be filled with the Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">and husbands ought to love their wives,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">even as Christ does his church.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore do not be foolish</b><br>This phrase serves as a warning against living without wisdom or discernment. In the biblical context, foolishness often refers to a lack of spiritual insight or moral understanding. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Here, the apostle Paul is urging believers to avoid the pitfalls of worldly thinking and to seek divine wisdom. The term "foolish" in the biblical sense is not merely about lacking intelligence but about ignoring God's guidance and living contrary to His ways.<p><b>but understand what the Lord’s will is</b><br>Understanding the Lord's will involves discerning His desires and commands as revealed in Scripture. This requires a relationship with God through prayer, study of the Bible, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds to discern God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. In the historical context of Ephesus, a city known for its pagan practices and idolatry, understanding God's will would have been crucial for Christians to live distinctively and righteously. This phrase emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes, which is central to Christian discipleship and spiritual maturity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges from both pagan influences and internal misunderstandings about Christian doctrine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_foolishness.htm">Avoiding Foolishness</a></b><br>The Greek word for "foolish" (aphrones) implies a lack of understanding or senselessness. Christians are called to live wisely, avoiding actions and decisions that are devoid of spiritual insight.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_lord's_will.htm">Understanding the Lord's Will</a></b><br>Knowing God's will involves a deep relationship with Him, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely about knowing facts but involves a heart aligned with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a></b><br>Understanding God's will leads to purposeful living. Christians are encouraged to align their daily actions with God's overarching plan, ensuring that their lives reflect His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_daily_life.htm">Discernment in Daily Life</a></b><br>Discernment is crucial in making decisions that honor God. This involves seeking wisdom from God and being attentive to His leading in every aspect of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'wipe_every_tear'_mean.htm">What does it mean to walk circumspectly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_oversees_communion.htm">Who oversees the Lord's Supper (Communion)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/holy_spirit_symbols.htm">What defines a healthy church?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_spiritual_enlightenment.htm">What defines spiritual enlightenment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Be ye not unwise.</span>--The word here is stronger than in <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm" title="See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,">Ephesians 5:15</a>; it is properly <span class= "ital">senseless, </span>used of "the fool" (in <a href="/luke/11-40.htm" title="You fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?">Luke 11:40</a>; <a href="/luke/12-20.htm" title="But God said to him, You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you: then whose shall those things be, which you have provided?">Luke 12:20</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm" title="You fool, that which you sow is not quickened, except it die:">1Corinthians 15:36</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm" title="I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.">2Corinthians 11:16</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm" title="For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.">2Corinthians 11:19</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm" title="For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.">2Corinthians 12:6</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm" title="I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very most chief apostles, though I be nothing.">2Corinthians 12:11</a>). By it St. Paul emphasises his previous warning; then he adds the explanation that to be "wise" is to "understand what the will of the Lord is"--to know His purpose towards us and towards the world, and so to know the true purpose of our life. Hence we are told in <a href="/job/28-28.htm" title="And to man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.">Job 28:28</a>, that "the fear of the Lord is wisdom," or, more precisely, in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.">Proverbs 9:10</a>, that it is "the beginning of wisdom." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what is the will of the Lord.</span> The "wherefore" bears on all the preceding argument: because ye are children of light; because light is so valuable and so indispensable; because your whole circumstances demand so much care and earnestness. "Unwise" is equivalent to senseless; "understanding," to both knowing and laying to heart, as in parable of sower: "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and <span class="accented">understandeth</span> it not," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> does not consider or ponder it, "then cometh the wicked one," etc. The will of the Lord is the great rule of the Christian life; to know and in the deeper sense understand this, is to walk wisely and to walk surely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/5-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Therefore</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{do} not</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be</span><br /><span class="grk">γίνεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(ginesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">foolish,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄφρονες</span> <span class="translit">(aphrones)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_878.htm">Strong's 878: </a> </span><span class="str2">Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understand</span><br /><span class="grk">συνίετε</span> <span class="translit">(syniete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> </span><span class="str2">To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίου</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will [is].</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλημα</span> <span class="translit">(thelēma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> </span><span class="str2">An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 5:17 Therefore don't be foolish but understand what (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 5:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 5:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>