For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
Truth to Learn
God knows the sordid details; we don’t have to talk about them to Him or to others.
Behind the Words
“Shameful” is from the Greek adjective aischros, which refers to “that which is indecent, dishonorable, inappropriate, filthy, shameful, or disgraceful.”
The words “to speak of” are translated from the verb legō, which originally meant, “to lay something down” or “to lay forth.” Later it came to mean “to relate something verbally,” that is “to put forth in words.”
“In secret” is translated from the adverb kruphē, which is based on the verb kruptō, meaning “to hide or keep secret.”
If we preserve the word order in the Greek, this verse becomes “for the things secretly being done by them, it is shameful even to mention.” In Greek, word order indicates emphasis. The fact that secrecy is mentioned first, indicates it is Paul’s emphasis.
Meaning Explained
You will recall that in yesterday’s verse Paul told us, not only do we need to avoid close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we need to expose them for what they really are and stand against them. But today’s verse seems to contradict what we are supposed to do. How can we expose those things if it is disgraceful to even speak about them? The answer to this enigma is given to us in tomorrow’s verse. So, without getting ahead of ourselves, let’s see what we can learn from this verse.
First of all, talking about the things which are done by people who perform these barren, fruitless activities is itself disgusting. It is not the type of conversation that strengthens our brothers and sisters. Remember what Paul told us in the previous chapter of this letter?
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)
Talking about the specifics of crude and disgusting things does not build up others, it only drags their thoughts down into the gutter. That’s not good and it’s not necessary. And don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that you have to talk about these things in order to inform others what is wrong with them.
One of the questions we have to ask ourselves is, “Why are these works of darkness always done in secret?” Here’s what Jesus said about that:
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)
It is sufficient to know that whatever things that a man (or woman) does in secret, that which he or she tries to hide from others, is not God- honoring and does not produce goodness, righteousness, and truth. If man tries to hide it, it is evil!
Application
Too often I have heard blatant gossip and disgusting descriptions shared in the name of “prayer requests.” Remember that it is inappropriate to talk about such things. Instead of sharing the sordid details in a prayer request, simply ask others to pray with you for the needs of someone else, and when asked for details, simply say “God knows the details.”
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.