Ephesians 5:1–20

Follow God’s example,^k therefore, as dearly loved children^{l 2}and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^m and gave himself up for usⁿ as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^o

³But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,^p or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,^q because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk^r or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.^{s 5}For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater^t—has any inheritance^u in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{av 6}Let no one deceive you^w with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^x comes on those who are disobedient.^{y 7}Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸For you were once^z darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{a 9}(for the fruit^b of the light consists in all goodness,^c righteousness and truth) ¹⁰and find out what pleases the Lord.^{d 11}Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,^e but rather expose them. ¹²It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³But everything exposed by the light^f becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,^g

rise from the dead,^h

and Christ will shine on you.”ⁱ

¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live^j—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity,^k because the days are evil.^{l 17}Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^{m 18}Do not get drunk on wine,ⁿ which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,^{o 19}speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^p Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰always giving thanks^q to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.