Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Parallel translations
- KJV Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
- BSB Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- NKJV Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
- NASB Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
- NLT Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Believers should act wisely toward non-Christians and make the most of every opportunity. It matters because how we live before outsiders commends or undermines the gospel.
Overview
Paul turns from his own witness to the church's conduct toward 'those who are outside' the faith. Walking 'in wisdom' means living with discernment and integrity so that one's life adorns the message. 'Redeeming the time' calls believers to seize fleeting opportunities for gospel witness, making good use of every season.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 14
- Eph 5:15–17Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
- Jas 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
- 1 Th 4:12that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
- Jas 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
- Rom 16:19For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.
- Matt 10:16“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- Col 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
- 1 Tim 3:7Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.
- Mark 4:11He said to them, “To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,
- 1 Cor 5:12–13For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within?
- Jas 1:5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
- 1 Cor 14:19–25However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.
- 1 Pet 3:1In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word;
- Ps 90:12So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
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Original language
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