Ephesians 5:15

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Ephesians 5:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

King James Version KJV

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

American Standard Version ASV

Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Take care then how you are living, not as unwise, but as wise;

Free Bible Version FBV

So be careful how you live your life, not foolishly, but wisely,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Take heede therefore that yee walke circumspectly, not as fooles, but as wise,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

See, then, how exactly ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise,

World English Bible WEB

Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

See therefore, brethren, how you walk circumspectly: not as unwise,

Translation for Translators T4T

So be very careful how you behave. Do not behave as foolish people do. Instead, behave as wise people do.

Plain English Version PEV

So you have to be very careful to live the right way. You have to understand what is right and good. Don’t live like stupid people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ephesians 5:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ephesians 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK βλεπετε ουν πως ακριβως περιπατειτε μη ως ασοφοι αλλ ως σοφοι

βλεπετε blepō G991 to see Verb-PAM-2P

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

πως pōs G4459 how?! Adv

ακριβως akribōs G199 exactly Adv

περιπατειτε peripateō G4043 to walk Verb-PAI-2P

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

ασοφοι asophos G781 unwise Adj-NPM

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

σοφοι sophos G4680 wise Adj-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Ephesians 5:15

βλεπετε blepō G991 "to see" Verb-PAM-2P

To see means to look at or perceive something, whether physically or mentally, as described in Matthew 12:22 and John 9:7. It involves using one's senses to understand or become aware of something, often with the intention of gaining insight or knowledge.

Definition: βλέπω, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for פּנה, etc. ;] __1. of bodily sight; __(a) to see, have sight (opposite to τυφλὸς): Mat.12:22, Jhn.9:7, Act.9:9, Rom.11:8, Rev.3:18, al.; __(b) to perceive, look (at), see: absol., Act.1:9; with accusative, Mat.7:3, Mrk.5:31, Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:29, al.; ὅραμα, Act.12:9; γυναῖκα, Mat.5:28; βιβλίον, Rev.5:3, 4; τ. βλεπόμενα, 2Co.4:18. __2. Metaphorical, of mental vision; __(a) to see, perceive, discern: absol., Mat.13:13, Luk.8:10; δι ̓ ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; with accusative, Heb.2:9 10:25; before ὅτι, Heb.3:19, Jas.2:22; __(b) to consider, look to, take heed: absol., Mrk.13:23, 33; with accusative, 1Co.1:26, al.; before πῶς, with indic., Luk.8:18, 1Co.3:10, Eph.5:15; before τί, with indic., Mrk.4:24; before εἰς πρόσωπον, of partiality, Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14. Colloq. (for ex. from π., V. Deiss., LAE, 122; M, Pr., 107; MM, Exp., x; Milligan, NTD, 50), β. ἑαυτόν: Mrk.13:9; before ἵνα μή, II Jo 8; β. ἀπό, Mrk.8:15 12:38; before μή (cl. ὁρᾶν), with fut. indic., Col.2:8, Heb.3:12; id. with aor. subj., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5. __3. Of situation and direction (Lat. specto), to look, face (towards), places, etc. (before πρός, Xen, Hell., vii, 1, 17; Eze.40:23, 24): before κατά, with accusative, Act.27:12 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, ἐμ-, ἐπι-, περ-, προ-βλέπω), see DCG, i, 446; ii, 596. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 116 NT verses. KJV: behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Luke 8:16; Hebrews 2:9.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

πως pōs G4459 "how?!" Adv

How is a question about the way something is done, as in Matthew 12:29, or an exclamation of surprise, like how much something is.

Definition: πῶς, interrog. adv., correl. of ὅπως, __1. prop., in direct questions, how?: with indic., Mat.12:29, Mrk.3:23, Luk.11:18, Jhn.3:4, al.; καὶ π., Mrk.4:13, Luk.20:44; π. οὖν, Mat.12:26; π. οὐ, Mat.16:11, Luk.12:56; in deliberative questions (cf. Bl., §64, 6), with subjc., Mat.23:33 26:54; π. οὖν, Rom.10:14; π. δέ, Rom.10:14, 15; before ἄν, with optative, Act.8:31. __2. As sometimes in cl. but more frequently and increasingly so in late writers (see WM, §57, 2; Bl., §70, 2; Thumb, MGr., 192; Jannaris, Gr., App., vi, 13f.), = ὅπως, ὥς; __(a) in indirect discourse: with indic., Mat.6:28, Mrk.12:41, Luk.8:36, Jhn.9:15, Act.9:27, al.; with subjc., Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:11; __(b) in exclamations: Mat.21:20, Mrk.10:23, 24 Luk.12:50 18:24, Jhn.11:36. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: how, after (by) what manner (means), that See also: 1 Corinthians 3:10; Luke 8:18; Hebrews 2:3.

ακριβως akribōs G199 "exactly" Adv

This word means doing something exactly or carefully, like when Jesus told the magi to search for the child exactly, in Matthew 2:8. It is about being precise and thorough. This concept appears in several books, including Matthew and Luke.

Definition: ἀκριβῶς adv. (ἀκριβής), [in LXX: Deu.19:18 (יָטַב), Da TH 7:19 (יְצֵב), Eze.39:14, Wis.19:18, Sir.18:29 ;] with exactness, carefully: Mat.2:8, Luk.1:3, Act.18:25, Eph.5:15, 1Th.5:2 (M, Th., in l). Compar., ἀκριβέστερον (Milligan, NTD, 111; MM, VGT, see word), Act.18:26 23:15, 20 24:22.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: circumspectly, diligently, perfect(-ly) See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Acts 23:20; Matthew 2:8.

περιπατειτε peripateō G4043 "to walk" Verb-PAI-2P

This verb means to walk or live in a certain way, like following Jesus. In John 1:36, it describes walking behind Jesus as a disciple. It emphasizes a way of life or behavior.

Definition: περι-πατέω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for הָלַךְ pi., hith. ;] to walk: absol., Mat.9:5, Mrk.5:42, Luk.5:23, Jhn.1:36; with pred., γυμνός, Rev.16:15; ἐπάνω Luk.11:44; διά, with genitive, Rev.21:24; ἐν, Mrk.11:27 12:38, Jhn.7:1 11:54, Rev.2:1, al.; ἐν τ. σκοτίᾳ, figuratively, Jhn.8:12 12:35, 1Jn.1:6-7 Jn 2:11; ἐπί, with genitive, Mat.14:26; id. with dative, Mat.14:25, 29; μετά, Jhn.6:66, Rev.3:4; παρά, with accusative, Mat.4:18. Metaphorical, of living, passing one's life, conducting oneself (like ἀναστρέφομαι in Xen., Plut., LXX, π.; M, Pro.11:1-31; Deiss., BS, 194) : ἀκριβῶς, Eph.5:15; ἀτάκτως, 2Th.3:6 3:11; εὐσχημόνως, Rev.13:13, 1Th.4:12; ἀξίως, with genitive, Eph.4:1, Col.1:10, 1Th.2:12; καθώς (ὥς), Eph.4:17 5:8, 15, Php.3:17, 1Th.4:1; οὕτως ὥς, 1Co.7:17; before nom. qual., Php.3:18; with dative, Act.21:21, Rom.13:13, 2Co.12:18, Gal.5:16; before ἐν, Rom.6:4, 2Co.4:2 5:7 10:3, Eph.2:2, 10 4:17 5:2, Col.3:7 4:5, Heb.13:9, 2Jn.4 Jn 6, al.; ἐν Χριστῷ, Col.2:6; κατά, with accusative, Mrk.7:5, Rom.8:4 14:15, 1Co.3:3, 2Co.10:2, 2Jn.6 (cf. ἐν-περιπατέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: go, be occupied with, walk (about) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:3; John 5:12; 1 Peter 5:8.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

ασοφοι asophos G781 "unwise" Adj-NPM

Unwise refers to someone who lacks good judgment, like the foolish person in Ephesians 5:15. It describes a lack of wisdom or foolish behavior. This word is about being unwise or foolish.

Definition: ἄ-σοθος, -ον [in LXX: Pro.9:8 א2 Α * ;] unwise, foolish: Eph.5:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: fool See also: Ephesians 5:15.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

σοφοι sophos G4680 "wise" Adj-NPM

Wise means having good judgment or being skilled, as seen in Romans 16:19 and 1 Corinthians 3:10, and can apply to people or God.

Definition: σοφός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for חָכָם ;] skilled, clever, wise, whether in handicraft, the affairs of life, the sciences or learning: Rom.16:19, 1Co.3:10; of the learned, Rom.1:14, 22, 1Co.1:19-20 1:26-27 3:18-20; of Jewish teachers, Mat.11:25, Luk.10:21; Christian, Mat.23:34; of those endowed with practical wisdom, 1Co.6:5, Eph.5:15, Jas.3:13; of God, Rom.16:27; compar., τ. μωρὸν τ. θεοῦ σοφώτερον, 1Co.1:25.† SYN.: συνετός, φρόνιμος (see: σοφία, SYN.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: wise See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Timothy 1:17; James 3:13.

Study Notes — Ephesians 5:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ephesians 5:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 5:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 5:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15
Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15
Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 5:15
Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 5:15
Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15
Sermons on Ephesians 5:15

Context — Children of Light

13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Colossians 4:5	Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
2	James 3:13	Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
3	Philippians 1:27	Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,
4	1 Corinthians 14:20	Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
5	Proverbs 14:8	The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
6	1 Timothy 6:9	Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
7	1 Peter 1:22	Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
8	Matthew 10:16	Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
9	Luke 24:25	Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
10	Galatians 3:3	Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?

Ephesians 5:15 Summary

This verse is reminding us to be careful about how we live our lives, to make sure we are making wise choices that please God. It's like being on a path, and we need to pay attention to where we are going, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:26. We can do this by following God's commands and principles, and by seeking wisdom from Him, as encouraged in James 1:5. By walking in wisdom, we can live a life that honors God and is pleasing to Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'pay careful attention' to how we walk?

It means being mindful of our daily choices and actions, making sure they align with God's will, as seen in Ephesians 5:15 and supported by Proverbs 4:26, which encourages us to 'give careful thought to the paths for your feet'.

How can we walk as wise, not unwise?

We can walk as wise by following God's commands and principles, as outlined in His Word, such as in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, and by seeking wisdom from Him, as encouraged in James 1:5.

Is this verse talking about salvation or our daily lives?

This verse is talking about our daily lives as believers, how we live out our faith, as seen in the context of Ephesians 5:15, and as supported by Romans 12:1-2, which encourages us to live a life pleasing to God.

What is the difference between walking in wisdom and walking in foolishness?

Walking in wisdom means making choices that honor God and align with His will, as seen in Ephesians 5:15, whereas walking in foolishness means ignoring God's commands and principles, as warned against in Psalms 14:1.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to pay closer attention to my walk with God?
How can I make sure I am walking in wisdom and not in foolishness, according to Ephesians 5:15?
What are some daily choices I can make to align my life with God's will, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:15 and supported by 1 Thessalonians 4:3?
In what ways can I 'redeem the time' in my life, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:16, and how does this relate to walking in wisdom?

Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly,.... The Alexandrian copy and the Vulgate Latin version read, "see then, brethren", it being an exhortation to the saints at Ephesus, upon the foregoing discourse

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, That , [ poos (G4459)] - 'see how ye walk,' etc.; comprising the double idea.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly; being called to reprove the evil conversation of others, see that ye walk exactly and accurately yourselves, avoiding extremes and keeping close to the rule. See the same word rendered diligently, , and perfectly, . Not as fools; who are destitute of spiritual wisdom, and through carelessness fall into sin or error, though in the light of the gospel. But as wise; those that are taught of God, and are endued with wisdom from above.

Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Ver. 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly] Precisely, exactly, accurately, by line and by rule, and as it were in a frame, striving to get up to the top of godliness, as the word importeth; to keep God’ s commandments to the utmost, to go to the extremity of it, ακριβωςειςακρονΒαινειν. Hereunto if we stand straightly, one may say safely, Lord, if I be deceived, thou and thy word have deceived me. Not as fools] Christians must excel others, standing as standard bearers. But as wise] Great need we have to fly to Christ, who dwells with prudence, Proverbs 8:1-36, to stand upon our watch. (Σοφος ab Heb. Tsopheh. Speculator.) And when we walk, to tread gingerly, step warily; since as those funambulones, rope walkers (it is Tertullian’ s comparison), if we tread but one step awry, we are utterly gone.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15

(15) See then that ye walk (properly, how ye walk) circumspectly.—The word rendered “circumspectly” is properly strictly, or accurately—generally used of intellectual accuracy or thoroughness (as in Matthew 2:8; Luke 1:3; Acts 18:25; Acts 18:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:2); only here and in Acts 26:5 (“the straitest sect of our religion”) of moral strictness. The idea, therefore, is not of looking round watchfully against dangers, but of “seeing,” that is, being careful, “how we walk strictly;” of finding out the clear line of right, and then keeping to it strictly, so as not “to run uncertainly.” In the corresponding passage in the Colossian Epistle (Colossians 4:5) a similar admonition has especial reference “to those without,” and bids us have a resolute unity of aim, a distinct religious profession, amidst all the bewildering temptations of the world. Here it is more general; it bids men not to trust wholly to general rightness of heart, in which “the spirit is willing,” but to be watchful over themselves, and to be a law to themselves, “because the flesh is weak.” Not as fools, but as wise.—This still further explains the “strictness,” for “wisdom” is the practical knowledge of the true end and purpose of life. (See above, Ephesians 1:8.) He who has it not, whatever his intellectual and spiritual gifts, is “unwise.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15

Verse 15. Walk circumspectly] Our word circumspect, from the Latin circirmspicio, signifies to look round about on all hands; to be every way watchful, wary, and cautious, in order to avoid danger, discern enemies before they come too nigh, and secure a man's interest by every possible and lawful means. But the original word ακριβως signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly. Be ye, who have received the truth, careful of your conduct; walk by the rule which God has given you; do this as well in little as in great matters; exemplify your principles, which are holy and good, by a corresponding conduct; do not only profess, but live the Gospel. As you embrace all its promises, be careful also to embrace all its precepts; and behave yourselves so, that your enemies may never be able to say that ye are holy in your doctrines and profession, but irregular in your lives. Not as fools, but as wise] Μηὡςασοφοι, αλλ' ὡςσοφοι. The heathens affected to be called σοφοι, or wise men. Pythagoras was perhaps the first who corrected this vanity, by assuming the title of φιλοσοφος, a lover of wisdom; hence our term philosopher, used now in a much prouder sense than that in which the great Pythagoras wished it to be applied. The apostle here takes the term σοφος, and applies it to the Christian; and, instead of it, gives the empty Gentile philosopher the title of ασοφος, without wisdom, fool.

Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 5:15

15–21. The subject pursued: the talent of time: temperance: spiritual songs: thanksgiving: humility15. See then] The more general exhortation to a holy life-walk is resumed here, after the special entreaties thus given to avoid, yet influence, surrounding darkness.walk] The seventh and last occurrence in the Epistle of this important metaphor.circumspectly] Lit., accurately, remembering the importance of details of both duty and danger, and the presence of the will of God in everything.The R.V. adopts here a Gr. text which requires the rendering, “Look therefore carefully how ye walk.” But the documentary evidence scarcely warrants this change. And it has the objection of making the order of words in the Gr. more easy, and so more likely to be a transcriber’s correction.Observe how the illuminated Christian is to keep his eyes open. No guidance is promised him which shall dispense with patient watchfulness.fools] Lit., and better, unwise; spiritually unwise, blind to spiritual facts and consequences.

Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly - carefully, anxiously, solicitous lest you fall into sin.

Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15

15. See—St. Paul now closes the paragraph, as he did the last, with a deduced admonition. Then—Therefore; that is, in view of your office as light to reprove the darkness, held forth in the whole of this closing paragraph.

Sermons on Ephesians 5:15

	Sermon	Description
	A Life Changing Prayer by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ceaseless prayer and provides a six-fold request for believers to pray for one another. He encourages fathers and mothers t
	(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec
	(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b
	(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e
	(Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to va
	Dealing With the Pressure of Time by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as person
	(Biblical Family) Biblical Womanhood - Part 3 by Voddie Baucham	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Ephesians chapter 5, specifically verses 15-22. He identifies a pattern of three threes in these verses: three contrasts, three commands, and