Charles Ellicott Commentary Ephesians 5:12

"for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of." — Ephesians 5:12 (ASV)

It is a shame even to speak . . .—Compare to Ephesians 5:3. Sin may be plainly indicated, and perhaps most effectively branded, without polluting the tongue by describing its actual developments. The need of St. Paul’s caution is only too obvious when we read some satires and denunciations against sin, or some manuals of self-examination.