Ephesians 5:17

New International Reader's Version

So don’t be foolish. Instead, understand what the Lord wants.

Cross References

Job 28:28

He said to human beings, “Have respect for the Lord. That will prove you are wise. Avoid evil. That will show you have understanding.”

Psalm 111:10

If you really want to become wise, you must begin by having respect for the Lord. All those who follow his rules have good understanding. People should praise him forever.

Psalm 119:27

Help me understand how your rules direct me to live. Then I may think deeply about the wonderful things you have done.

Proverbs 14:8

People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live. But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.

Proverbs 2:5

Then you will understand how to have respect for the Lord. You will find out how to know God.

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, instruction and understanding as well.

Jeremiah 4:22

The Lord says, “My people are foolish. They do not know me. They are children who do not have any sense. They have no understanding at all. They are skilled in doing what is evil. They do not know how to do what is good.”

John 7:17

Here is how someone can find out whether my teaching comes from God or from me. That person must choose to do what God wants them to do.

Romans 12:2

Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect.

Ephesians 5:15

So be very careful how you live. Do not live like people who aren’t wise. Live like people who are wise.

Deuteronomy 4:6

Be careful to keep them. That will show the nations how wise and understanding you are. They will hear about all these rules. They’ll say, “That great nation certainly has wise and understanding people.”

Colossians 1:9

That’s why we have not stopped praying for you. We have been praying for you since the day we heard about you. We keep asking God to fill you with the knowledge of what he wants. We pray he will give you the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

Colossians 4:5

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 4:2

As a result, they don’t live the rest of their earthly life for evil human desires. Instead, they live to do what God wants.