The unwise ( Ephesians 5:15) simply lack Wisdom of Solomon , but the foolish ( Ephesians 5:17) behave contrary to what they know to be right. To be wise we must comprehend intellectually (Gr. syniete, understand) what God"s will is. Only after we do that can we please God ( Ephesians 5:10). The Lord"s will should be the Christian"s primary blueprint since He is the Head of the body. God"s will includes allowing Him to control (fill) us, being thankful always, and being subject to one another, as the following verses clarify. Wise people not only make the most of their time ( Ephesians 5:16), but they also seek to discover and do God"s will. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Ephesians 5:13-21 - "redeeming The Time"
The earlier verses remind us of Isaiah 60:1-22. Awake, thou Christian soul; arise from the, dust and put on thy beautiful garments! Stand on the mountain-peak of prayer and Christ shall shine on thee as when morning gilds the highest Alps! The child of God must arise from among those who are yet in their graves, dead in trespasses and sins. He can have no complicity or fellowship with such. Is there effort in this, and cost? Christ will more than compensate. He will satisfy.
The opportunities of life are fleeting past; let us buy them up. They are most valuable, because they form the seed plot of eternity. In the other life we shall reap the harvests which we have prepared for here. "Give every flying minute something to keep in store." Chrysostom, as a young man, kept silent for days together to break himself of a bad habit of detraction. But the Apostle's method is better. Make room for the Holy Spirit. Be filled with Him, and He will use heart and lip in the service of praise and thanksgiving. It is as much our duty to be filled with the Spirit as it is not to get drunk. Remember to give thanks always for all things. Whether you like the packing-case or not, you may be sure that the contents are the very best that God could send you. [source]
Chapter Summary: Ephesians 5
1After general exhortations to love; 3to flee sexual immorality; 4and all uncleanness; 7not to converse with the wicked; 15to walk carefully; 18and to be filled with the Spirit; 22he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands; 25and husbands ought to love their wives, 32even as Christ does his church
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:17
Be ye not foolish [μη γινεστε απρονες] “Stop becoming foolish.” [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:17
2 Corinthians 10:12Measuring themselves by themselves [εν εαυτοις εαυτους μετρουντες] Or “in themselves.” Keenest sarcasm. Setting themselves up as the standards of orthodoxy these Judaizers always measure up to the standard while Paul falls short. Comparing themselves with themselves (συνκρινοντες εαυτους εαυτοις sunkrinontes heautous heautois). Associate instrumental case εαυτοις heautois after συνκρινοντες sunkrinontes (verb just explained). Paul is not keen to fall into the trap set for him. Are without understanding The regular form for present active indicative third plural of συνιημι suniēmi to comprehend, to grasp. Some MSS. have the late form συνιουσιν suniousin (omega form συνιω suniō). It is a hard thing to see, but it is true. These men do not see their own picture so obvious to others (Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:7). Cf. Mark 8:17. [source]
2 Corinthians 10:12Are without understanding [ου συνιασιν] The regular form for present active indicative third plural of συνιημι suniēmi to comprehend, to grasp. Some MSS. have the late form συνιουσιν suniousin (omega form συνιω suniō). It is a hard thing to see, but it is true. These men do not see their own picture so obvious to others (Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:7). Cf. Mark 8:17. [source]
What do the individual words in Ephesians 5:17 mean?
Because ofthisnotbefoolishbutunderstandwhatthewillof theLord [is]
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:17
“Stop becoming foolish.” [source]
See on prudent, Matthew 11:25; foolish, see on Romans 3:21. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:17
Or “in themselves.” Keenest sarcasm. Setting themselves up as the standards of orthodoxy these Judaizers always measure up to the standard while Paul falls short. Comparing themselves with themselves (συνκρινοντες εαυτους εαυτοις sunkrinontes heautous heautois). Associate instrumental case εαυτοις heautois after συνκρινοντες sunkrinontes (verb just explained). Paul is not keen to fall into the trap set for him. Are without understanding The regular form for present active indicative third plural of συνιημι suniēmi to comprehend, to grasp. Some MSS. have the late form συνιουσιν suniousin (omega form συνιω suniō). It is a hard thing to see, but it is true. These men do not see their own picture so obvious to others (Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:7). Cf. Mark 8:17. [source]
The regular form for present active indicative third plural of συνιημι suniēmi to comprehend, to grasp. Some MSS. have the late form συνιουσιν suniousin (omega form συνιω suniō). It is a hard thing to see, but it is true. These men do not see their own picture so obvious to others (Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:7). Cf. Mark 8:17. [source]