Albert Barnes Commentary Ephesians 5:6

"Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience." — Ephesians 5:6 (ASV)

Let no man deceive you. Let no one, by artful plans, persuade you that there will be no danger from practicing these vices.

We may suppose that they would be under strong temptations to mingle in the gay and festive scenes where these vices were not frowned on, or where they were practiced; or that they might be tempted to commit them by some of the plausible arguments which were then used for their indulgence.

Many of their friends may have been in these circles, and they would endeavor to convince them that such were the customs which had been long practiced, and that there could be no harm still in their indulgence. Not a few philosophers endeavored, as is well known, to defend some of these practices, and even practiced them themselves. See Barnes on Romans 1:1 and following.

It required, therefore, all the authority of an apostle to convince them that, however plausible the arguments in defense of them were, they certainly exposed those who practiced them to the wrath of God.

For because of these things cometh the wrath of God. See Barnes on Romans 1:18; see Barnes on Romans 2:8; see Barnes on Romans 2:9.

Upon the children of disobedience. See Barnes on Matthew 1:1; see Barnes on Romans 2:8.