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Scott's Reference Library
Ephesians 4:25 through Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his
neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin” : Do
not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a
foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing
something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with
those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were
sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and
compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you.
Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of
love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 25-28
Notice the particulars wherewith we should adorn our Christian profession. Take
heed of every thing contrary to truth. No longer flatter or deceive others.
God’s people are children who will not lie, who dare not lie, who hate and abhor
lying. Take heed of anger and ungoverned passions. If there is just occasion to
express displeasure at what is wrong, and to reprove, see that it be without
sin. We give place to the devil, when the first motions of sin are not grievous
to our souls; when we consent to them; and when we repeat an evil deed. This
teaches that as sin, if yielded unto, lets in the devil upon us, we are to
resist it, keeping from all appearance of evil. Idleness makes thieves. Those
who will not work, expose themselves to temptations to steal. Men ought to be
industrious, that they may do some good, and that they may be kept from
temptation. They must labour, not only that they may live honestly, but that
they may have to give to the wants of others. What then must we think of those
called Christians, who grow rich by fraud, oppression, and deceitful practices!
Alms, to be accepted of God, must not be gained by unrighteousness and robbery,
but by honesty and industry. God hates robbery for burnt-offerings.
VERSES 29-32
Filthy words proceed from corruption in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds
and manners of those who hear them: Christians should beware of all such
discourse. It is the duty of Christians to seek, by the blessing of God, to
bring persons to think seriously, and to encourage and warn believers by their
conversation. Be ye kind one to another. This sets forth the principle of love
in the heart, and the outward expression of it, in a humble, courteous behaviour.
Mark how God’s forgiveness causes us to forgive. God forgives us, though we had
no cause to sin against him. We must forgive, as he has forgiven us. All lying,
and corrupt communications, that stir up evil desires and lusts, grieve the
Spirit of God. Corrupt passions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour,
evil-speaking, and malice, grieve the Holy Spirit. Provoke not the holy, blessed
Spirit of God to withdraw his presence and his gracious influences. The body
will be redeemed from the power of the grave at the resurrection day. Wherever
that blessed Spirit dwells as a Sanctifier, he is the earnest of all the joys
and glories of that redemption day; and we should be undone, should God take
away his Holy Spirit from us.
VERSES 1-2
Because God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven you, therefore be ye followers of
God, imitators of God. Resemble him especially in his love and pardoning
goodness, as becomes those beloved by their heavenly Father. In Christ’s
sacrifice his love triumphs, and we are to consider it fully.