See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the [h]sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 [i]as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason [j]it says,
“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
15 So then, [k]be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 [l]making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, [m]in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to [n]one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; 21 [o]and subject yourselves to one another in the [p]fear of Christ.
Here is the whole passage in the NASB translation, which is easier to understand.
It is shameful and disgraceful to even speak about the evil things being done. Yes, they are wicked, dreadful deeds. But still, evil must be reproved and exposed. Exposing the evil puts light on them for all to see. This is good leadership, a good leader will expose the evildoers in order to protect those they lead. The OT has a lot of examples of corrupt leadership and how they bring destruction on the people they were supposed to protect. Jesus has a lot to say about leaders who take advantage of their flock. He is the true shepherd and a true Christian leader (or a political leader who is a Christian) should follow the Good Shepherd's teachings and example.
5:12shameful even to speak. Some sins are so despicable that they should be sealed off from direct contact and not even mentioned, much less discussed, except in order to contradict and oppose them. Merely talking about them can be morally and spiritually corruptive. Positive proclamation of the pure truth in the light of the Word exposes all evil (cf. Prov. 6:23; 2 Tim. 3:16).
See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the [h]sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 [i]as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason [j]it says,
“Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
15 So then, [k]be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 [l]making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, [m]in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to [n]one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; 21 [o]and subject yourselves to one another in the [p]fear of Christ.
Here is the whole passage in the NASB translation, which is easier to understand.
It is shameful and disgraceful to even speak about the evil things being done. Yes, they are wicked, dreadful deeds. But still, evil must be reproved and exposed. Exposing the evil puts light on them for all to see. This is good leadership, a good leader will expose the evildoers in order to protect those they lead. The OT has a lot of examples of corrupt leadership and how they bring destruction on the people they were supposed to protect. Jesus has a lot to say about leaders who take advantage of their flock. He is the true shepherd and a true Christian leader (or a political leader who is a Christian) should follow the Good Shepherd's teachings and example.
From NKJV MacArther Study Bible:
Then the NT is clearly the work of the DS.
I prefer this translation for this particular verse..
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
- Ephesians 5:11