22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off(A) your old self,(B) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(C) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(D) 24 and to put on(E) the new self,(F) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(G)

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully(H) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.(I) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]:(J) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.(K) 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,(L) doing something useful with their own hands,(M) that they may have something to share with those in need.(N)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(O) but only what is helpful for building others up(P) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(Q) with whom you were sealed(R) for the day of redemption.(S) 31 Get rid of(T) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(U) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(V) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(W) Follow God’s example,(X) therefore, as dearly loved children(Y) and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(Z) and gave himself up for us(AA) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(AB)

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,(AC) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,(AD) because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk(AE) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.(AF) For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater(AG)—has any inheritance(AH) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[b](AI)

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
  2. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God

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