Matthew Henry Commentary Ephesians 5:15-21

"Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ." — Ephesians 5:15-21 (ASV)

Another remedy against sin is care, or caution, as it is otherwise impossible to maintain purity of heart and life. Time is a talent given to us by God, and it is misspent and lost when not employed according to his design. If we have lost our time previously, we must double our diligence for the future. How little do people think of that time which thousands on a dying bed would gladly redeem at the price of the whole world, and to what trifles they daily sacrifice it!

People are very apt to complain of bad times; it would be well if that stirred them more to redeem time. Do not be unwise. Ignorance of our duty, and neglect of our souls, show the greatest folly. Drunkenness is a sin that never goes alone, but carries people into other evils; it is a sin very provoking to God. The drunkard presents to his family and to the world the sad spectacle of a sinner hardened beyond what is common, and hastening to perdition.

When afflicted or weary, let us not seek to raise our spirits with strong drink, which is hateful and hurtful, and only ends in making sorrows more deeply felt. Instead, by fervent prayer let us seek to be filled with the Spirit, and to avoid whatever may grieve our gracious Comforter. All God's people have reason to sing for joy. Though we are not always singing, we should always be giving thanks; we should never lack the disposition for this duty, as we never lack reason for it, throughout the whole course of our lives.

We should give thanks always, even in trials and afflictions, and for all things, being assured of their loving intent and beneficial outcome. God keeps believers from sinning against him, and leads them to submit to one another in all he has commanded, to promote his glory, and to fulfill their duties to each other.