Ephesians 5:12-13

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.

Berean Standard Bible, public domain. Read all of Ephesians 5

13 songs meet this passage

  • “I'm hoping you can keep a secret”

    1 Thing · Amerie

    strains against Ephesians 5:12-13

    The desire for secrecy hints that what's happening wouldn't hold up in the light, which Scripture treats as worth noticing, not just feeling swept up in.

  • “Keep our business on the low-low”

    The Hills · The Weeknd

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-12

    Secrecy here protects sin rather than exposing it to light; the song treats concealment as romantic rather than corrosive.

  • “Keep it in the closet”

    In the Closet · Michael Jackson

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-12

    The song frames secrecy as intimate and thrilling, while Scripture calls what's done in secret, especially shameful things, into the light rather than hidden away.

  • “On the low low, so your friends won't know”

    How Deep Is Your Love (feat. Redman) [Single Version] · Dru Hill

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-12

    The deliberate secrecy the hook celebrates is the opposite of bringing things into the light; it's built to hide, not to honor.

  • “Don't ask me where I've been”

    I'm Real (feat. Jennifer Lopez) [Murder Remix] · Ja Rule

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-12

    The song celebrates withholding accountability and mystery in a relationship, which stands against the call to live openly and transparently with those we love.

  • “So keep it on the down low, call the car celly”

    Can't Let You Go (Main Remix) · Fabolous

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-12

    The song's emphasis on secrecy and concealment stands against the call to expose rather than participate in hidden deeds.

  • Promiscuous (feat. Timbaland) · Nelly Furtado

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-12

    The lyric's appeal to secrecy highlights exactly the kind of hidden deed Paul says is shameful even to mention.

  • Abracadabra · Lady Gaga

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-13

    Paul's call to expose rather than participate in the works of darkness sits in direct tension with the song's invitation to cast your spell and lean into the shadows.

  • “Cocaine and drinking with your friends / You live in the dark”

    MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) · Lil Nas X

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-13

    Paul calls believers to expose rather than participate in the fruitless deeds of darkness; here the darkness is named but entered into anyway.

  • “You're better off if you don't ask why”

    Follow Me · Uncle Kracker

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-13

    Light exposes what's hidden for good reason; this song asks the listener to stay comfortably in the dark instead.

  • “Just make sure you don't tell on me”

    Hands Clean · Alanis Morissette

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-13

    Scripture calls hidden deeds into the light; the song's demand for silence is the very instinct Paul says exposes guilt.

  • “I'll keep you my dirty little secret”

    Dirty Little Secret · The All-American Rejects

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-13

    Paul calls believers to expose what is done in darkness rather than participate in keeping it hidden, the opposite instinct of this chorus.

  • Love Lockdown · Kanye West

    strains against Ephesians 5:11-13

    Concealment and secrecy stand opposite to the light and openness Scripture commends in relationships.

Elsewhere in Ephesians 5