Ephesians 5:17

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].

Wherefore {G1223}{G5124} be ye {G1096} not {G3361} unwise {G878}, but {G235} understanding {G4920} what {G5101} the will {G2307} of the Lord {G2962} is.

So don’t be foolish, but try to understand what the will of the Lord is.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:17 serves as a crucial instruction for believers, urging them to live with intentionality and spiritual insight. It directly connects Christian conduct with divine purpose, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's desires for their lives.

Context

This verse follows Paul's admonition in Ephesians 5:15-16 to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." It sets the stage for the contrast between a foolish, unthinking life and one guided by divine understanding. The subsequent verse, Ephesians 5:18, provides a key means to achieve this understanding: being filled with the Spirit, which empowers believers to live in alignment with God's will.

Key Themes

  • The Pursuit of Wisdom over Folly: The command "be ye not unwise" (aphrones) directly contrasts with the call to "understanding what the will of the Lord is." It highlights a fundamental choice for believers: to live thoughtlessly, swayed by worldly impulses, or to actively seek and comprehend God's divine purpose. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual, impacting daily decisions and overall life direction.
  • Discerning God's Will: The core of the verse is the imperative to "understand what the will of the Lord is." This refers to God's revealed plan for humanity and His specific guidance for individual believers. It implies a proactive pursuit, not passive waiting. Understanding God's will leads to a life of purpose and obedience, aligning human actions with divine design.
  • Intentional Christian Living: This verse calls for a deliberate, thoughtful approach to life. Christians are not to drift aimlessly but to actively engage their minds and spirits in discovering and fulfilling God's desires. This intentionality impacts how they use their time, resources, and relationships, leading to a life that honors God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "unwise" is aphrones (ἄφρονες), meaning foolish, senseless, or lacking sound judgment. It denotes someone who does not use their mind properly, often resulting in practical folly or moral error. In contrast, "understanding" comes from syniete (συνίετε), which means to bring together, to comprehend, or to perceive clearly. It implies an active mental process of grasping meaning and discerning truth.

The phrase "the will of the Lord" is thelēma tou Kyriou (θέλημα τοῦ Κυρίου). Thelēma refers to God's desire, purpose, or decree. It encompasses both His moral will (what He expects of us, e.g., sanctification) and His sovereign will (His overarching plan for history and creation). Understanding this will is foundational for living a life pleasing to God and fulfilling His purpose.

Practical Application

Ephesians 5:17 challenges believers to move beyond thoughtless living and actively seek God's guidance. To understand "the will of the Lord" today, one must:

  • Engage with Scripture: God's primary revelation of His will is found in His Word. Regular and diligent study of the Bible is essential for discerning His principles and commands for a wise life.
  • Pray for Wisdom: As James 1:5 instructs, God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Prayer is a vital channel for receiving divine insight and clarity regarding God's purpose.
  • Be Spirit-Filled: As hinted in the following verse, being filled with the Holy Spirit enables believers to walk in spiritual understanding, making wise choices and discerning God's voice in various situations.
  • Seek Godly Counsel: Wise counsel from godly mentors or church leaders can provide clarity and confirmation when seeking God's will for specific situations, aligning with biblical principles.

This verse encourages a life of intentional discipleship, where every decision is weighed against God's revealed purpose, leading to spiritual maturity and effective service in the Christian walk.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

  • Ephesians 5:15

    See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

  • Colossians 1:9

    ¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

  • Jeremiah 4:22

    For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3

    For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

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