After reminding the Ephesians to walk not as they once did before, but as new creations, Paul describes a new way of life that no longer tears down others with words. He bases this passage on Psalm 4, where King David cries out to God for vindication after lies were being spread against him, God’s anointed king.
Paul identifies the devil as the accuser who seeks to accuse God’s people, the church, by causing divisions, anger, and strife within the body. However, God invites us to live truthfully with one another, working hard to contribute to the good of the community of God the church.
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.