Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:17

"Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." — Ephesians 5:17 (ASV)

“Therefore” resumes the thought of v.15 with its exhortation to be wise. “Foolish” (GK 933) here is a stronger word than “unwise” in v.15, alluding to stupid imprudence or senseless folly in action. To “understand” is to give the mind to something so as to get hold of or grasp it. The object of this determined attempt at apprehension is the Lord’s will (v.10). Paul recognizes the divine will as the regulative principle of the Christian life (1:1, 5, 9). Here he refers to the will of the Lord (i.e., of Jesus Christ), perhaps because Christ left us an example.