January 21 2026

Wednesday January 21

“Deceived by Empty Words”

Ephesians 5:6

Let no one deceive you with empty words,

 for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Paul gives us a sober warning in Ephesians 5:6: “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” That tells us two things right away. First, deception is real—even among believers in the church at Ephesus. And second, deception often comes wrapped in words that sound appealing, reasonable, or comforting, but are ultimately empty—void of truth, power, and life. The enemy has always worked this way. From the very beginning, Satan has used empty words to deceive God’s people.

Think back to Genesis 3. Satan did not come to Eve with obvious lies or threats. He came with words that sounded harmless, even enlightened. He said, “You will not surely die… you will be like God.” Those were empty words. They were lies without substance, promises without truth. Eve believed them, and the result was sin, separation, and death entering the world. Paul is warning us that the same tactic is still at work today. Empty words promise freedom but lead to bondage. They promise pleasure but deliver destruction. They promise life, but they produce death.

That is why Paul says, “Let no one deceive you.” This is a call for discernment. It is a call to measure every message—whether it comes from the world, culture, false teachers, or even our own hearts—against the truth of God’s Word. The book of Proverbs gives us many warnings about deceptive words. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” That verse perfectly captures the danger of empty words. They seem right. They feel right. They appeal to our desires. But they lead us away from God.

Another powerful warning is found in Proverbs 7, where Solomon describes a man seduced by flattering speech. Proverbs 7:21 says, “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.” Words were the weapon. The result was ruin. King David also fell victim to deception—this time not from Satan directly, but from his own unchecked desires. When David saw Bathsheba, he allowed himself to believe empty words in his heart: “I deserve this.” “I can get away with this.” “This won’t cost me.” Those lies led to adultery, deceit, and murder. The pleasure was brief, but the consequences were long-lasting. Sin always overpromises and underdelivers.

That is why the writer of Hebrews tells us about Moses in Hebrews 11:24–26. Moses faced the same temptation—the allure of empty promises. Egypt offered pleasure, power, and prestige. But Hebrews says Moses “chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Why? Because Moses saw through the emptiness. He understood that sin’s pleasures are temporary, but God’s reward is eternal.

Empty words always minimize sin and ignore judgment. That’s exactly what Paul connects in Ephesians 5:6: “For because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” The world says, “God doesn’t care.” “God won’t judge.” “Everyone lives this way.” Those are empty words. God’s Word says otherwise. Jesus warned about this as well. In Matthew 7:15, He said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Their danger is not obvious because their words sound spiritual, compassionate, and inclusive—but they lack truth.

Paul later warned Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3–4 that people would gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear, turning away from the truth. That is deception fueled by empty words. So how do we guard ourselves? First, we stay grounded in God’s Word. Truth exposes emptiness. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Second, we walk in the light, as Paul has already taught us earlier in Ephesians 5. Light reveals what darkness tries to hide. Third, we listen to the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and convicts us when something is not right.

My friend, Satan has not changed his strategy. He still whispers, “You won’t suffer.” “You won’t be judged.” “This won’t matter.” Those are empty words. God’s Word is full, rich, and life-giving. May God help us to be discerning believers—people who refuse deception, cling to truth, and walk as children of light. Let us not be deceived by empty words, but anchored in the eternal Word of God.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.