Romans 13:13
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Let us walk honestly--"becomingly," "seemingly" as in the day--"Men choose the night for their revels, but our night is past, for we are all the children of the light and of the day (Th1 5:5): let us therefore only do what is fit to be exposed to the light of such a day." not in rioting and drunkenness--varied forms of intemperance; denoting revels in general, usually ending in intoxication. not in chambering and wantonness--varied forms of impurity; the one pointing to definite acts, the other more general. not in strife and envying--varied forms of that venomous feeling between man and man which reverses the law of love.
Open source ↗There are three good lessons taught us in this chapter, where the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter, finding them more needful to be fully pressed. I. A lesson of subjection to lawful authority (Rom 13:1-6). II. A lesson of justice and love to our brethren (Rom 13:7-10). III. A lesson of sobriety and godliness in ourselves (Rom 13:11 to the end).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,
Pray without ceasing.
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,