What does it mean to be "foolish" according to Ephesians 5:17? Setting the Scene Ephesians 5 moves from identity (“children of light,” v. 8) to lifestyle (“walk circumspectly,” v. 15). Verse 17 lands the point: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Paul contrasts two paths—foolishness vs. grasping the Lord’s will. Everything that follows in the section (vv. 18-21) unpacks how to avoid the first and embrace the second. What “Foolish” Means Here • The Greek aphron pictures a mind that refuses sound judgment, shutting out God’s revelation. • In context, foolishness is any choice made without reference to “the Lord’s will.” • It is not mere intellectual dullness; it is moral indifference—living as though God’s purposes don't matter. Foolishness in Broader Scripture • Psalm 14:1 — “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ ” Foolishness starts with practical atheism. • Proverbs 10:23 — “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool.” It treats sin lightly. • Romans 1:22 — “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” Suppressing truth always ends in folly. Three Flags of a Foolish Life in Ephesians 5 1. Wasting Time (v. 16) • “Redeeming the time” is wisdom’s call; neglecting it is folly. 2. Drifting with Darkness (vv. 11-12) • Partnership with “fruitless deeds of darkness” reveals a mind disconnected from God’s light. 3. Chasing Empty Stimulation (v. 18) • “Do not get drunk with wine” points to any escapism that dulls sensitivity to God. How Wisdom Differs • Seeks the Lord’s will (v. 17) rather than personal impulse. • Is Spirit-filled (v. 18) rather than self-indulgent. • Produces thankful, submissive relationships (vv. 19-21) instead of self-centered isolation. Discovering and Doing the Lord’s Will 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture • Colossians 1:9 — “to be filled with the knowledge of His will.” • Psalm 119:105 — His Word lights the path. 2. Surrender to God’s renewing work • Romans 12:2 — “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • James 1:22 — be a doer, not merely a hearer. 3. Seek the Spirit’s guidance • John 16:13 — the Spirit leads into all truth. • Ephesians 5:18 — being filled fuels discernment. 4. Walk with wise companions • Proverbs 13:20 — “He who walks with the wise grows wise.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 — stir one another to love and good works. Key Takeaways • In Ephesians 5:17, to be foolish is to live without reference to God’s revealed will. • Wisdom is not an abstract ideal; it is practical obedience to what the Lord has already spoken. • Every day presents a choice: drift in self-directed folly or deliberately align with God’s purposes. The wise heart chooses the latter and finds life, light, and lasting joy. |
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