Ephesians 4:17-5:7

AUV^{(i) 17} So, I tell you this, and insist [on it] by [the authority of] the Lord: Do not continue to live with worthless thoughts as [unconverted] Gentiles do. ¹⁸ Their understanding [of spiritual things] is darkened and excluded from the [spiritual] life that God gives, because of the ignorance in their minds and the stubbornness in their hearts. ¹⁹ They have stopped caring [i.e., about morality], so God has abandoned them to lives of unrestrained indecency and to engage in all kinds of [moral] impurity, with a constant desire for more. ²⁰ But you people did not learn Christ that way [i.e., the above described life is not compatible with a commitment to Christ]. ²¹ [I am] assuming that you have heard Him [i.e., through the Gospel message] and were taught the truth that is in [harmony with] Jesus. ²² You were [taught] to put away [the conduct of] your former lifestyle, your old person who is being corrupted by deceitful desires, ²³ and to be renewed in your inner person. ²⁴ And you should put on the new person who has been [re-] created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. ²⁵ So then, put away lying and [Zech 8:16], “Each one should speak truthfully with his neighbor,” because we are parts of one another [i.e., in the one body]. ²⁶ [Psa. 4:4 says], “Be angry [i.e., at wrongdoing. See Mark 3:5], but do not sin” [i.e., by harboring bitterness or retaliation]. Do not allow the sun to go down while you are still provoked. ²⁷ And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin]. ²⁸ The person who has stolen must stop doing it; instead, he should work hard, doing something worthwhile with his own hands, so that he can have [money] to share with the person who needs it. ²⁹ Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you]. ³⁰ And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed [i.e., given evidence of God’s ownership] until the day of redemption [i.e., until you receive your new body in heaven. See 1:14]. ³¹ So, put away from you all [kinds of] bitterness and anger and wrath and brawling and slander, along with all [kinds of] malice [i.e., bad attitudes], ³² and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.

^{5 1} So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God. ² Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God. ³ But you should not even talk about sexual immorality, or any type of [moral] impurity, or greed. [Note: Possibly “greed” here means “desire for more” of such things]. Such talk is not suitable for saints [i.e., God’s holy people]. ⁴ Nor should obscenity, silly chatter or double-meaning jokes be used, because they are not proper either. But instead, [you should express] thanksgiving. ⁵ For you [should] know this for certain: No sexually immoral or [morally] impure person, or greedy person, who is [the same as] an idol worshiper, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Do not let anyone deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, the wrath of God will fall upon people who are disobedient [to Him]. ⁷ So, do not participate with such individuals,