What are the concrete ethical exhortations in Ephesians 4:25-32?

• A. Put off falsehood, speak truthfully; be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger; do not give the devil a foothold; be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving; and work honestly, not stealing.
• B. Do not worship idols or take oaths.
• C. Practice charity and fasting daily.
• D. Cultivate humility but ignore anger.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the concrete ethical conduct Paul urges Christians to live out in daily life. In this passage, he spells out specific actions that should replace former habits. Focus on these points: put off falsehood and speak truth to your neighbor because we are members of one body; in your anger, do not sin, and do not let the sun go down on your anger, so you don’t give the devil a foothold; those who have been stealing should stop stealing and instead work honestly so they can help others in need; guard your speech so that no unwholesome talk comes from your mouth, but only what builds up and gives grace to hearers; do not grieve the Holy Spirit and put away bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice; and cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness toward one another, just as God forgave you in Christ. This set of exhortations is why the option that lists these exact behaviors is the best fit. The other choices bring in ideas not found in this passage, such as worship of idols or fasting, or a focus on humility that ignores the emphasis on handling anger and guarding speech.