Live righteously, and expose the evil deeds that evil people do, because when you do that, those people who do those evil things will come to know the truth.

Ephesians 5:7-21

7 So, do not commit the same kinds of deeds that such people do, 8 because formerly you did not know God’s truth [MET], as those who are in darkness do not know what is around them. But now it is as though you are in the light [MET] because you know God’s truth because of your relationship with the Lord Jesus. So do those things that those who know God’s truth [MET] should do. 9 Keep in mind that as light [MET] causes good things to grow, those who know God’s truth should do those things that are good, righteous, and honest. 10 And as you do that, try ◄to find out/to discover► what pleases the Lord. 11 Do not do the worthless deeds that the people ◄who are in spiritual darkness/who do not know God’s truth► [MET] do. Instead, let others know that those people’s deeds are worthless. 12 It is shameful for God’s people to even talk among themselves about those evil deeds that evil people do secretly and habitually. 13 But when God’s people rebuke those evil people about their deeds, it will be clear/evident how evil their deeds really are, just like everything exposed to the light becomes visible {as light [MET] reveals everything that we cannot see in the darkness}. 14 Just like something on which a light shines reflects that light [MET], whoever has learned God’s truth reveals that truth to others. That is why we believers say this:

You who are not aware of your sins, become aware of them [MET]!

It is as though you are sound asleep, so wake up!

Be like dead people who are becoming alive again!

Christ will cause you to know God’s truth, just like a light [MET]

that shines causes people to know what is in the darkness.

15 So be very careful how you behave. Do not behave as foolish people do. Instead, behave as wise people do. 16 Use your time carefully, because these days [MTY] people do extremely evil deeds. 17 So do not be foolish. Instead, understand what the Lord Jesus wants you to do, and do it!

18 Do not become drunk by drinking alcoholic drinks, since people are unable to control their behavior when they are drunk. Instead, let God’s Spirit control your behavior at all times [MTY]. 19 Sing to each other ◄Psalms/songs with words from the Scriptures►, sing other songs that the congregation knows, and songs that God’s Spirit gives you. Sing these Psalms and other songs sincerely to praise the Lord Jesus. 20 At all times thank God, who is our heavenly Father, for everything, especially for what the Lord Jesus Christ [MTY] has done for you. 21 Humbly submit yourselves to each other because you reverence Christ, who is our example.