Ephesians 5:8-17

8For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]

9(for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

10trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].

11Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];

12for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret.

13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible.

14For this reason He says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.”

15Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],

16making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.

17Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.