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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 5:15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/49_Eph_05_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 5:15 - Children of Light" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/5-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/5-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm" title="Ephesians 5:14">◄</a> Ephesians 5:15 <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm" title="Ephesians 5:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/5.htm">New International Version</a> Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/nlt/ephesians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. <a href="/esv/ephesians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore carefully take heed how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/5.htm">King James Bible</a> See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, <a href="/nasb/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, <a href="/lsb/ephesians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/amp/ephesians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], <a href="/csb/ephesians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— <a href="/asv/ephesians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; <a href="/cev/ephesians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Act like people with good sense and not like fools. <a href="/erv/ephesians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; <a href="/gwt/ephesians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. <a href="/isv/ephesians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, <a href="/msb/ephesians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/net/ephesians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore be very careful how you live--not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, <a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore be very careful how you live and act. Let it not be as unwise men, but as wise. <a href="/web/ephesians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> See, then, how exactly you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, <a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore carefully take heed how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> See, then, how exactly ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, <a href="/slt/ephesians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> See therefore how ye walk accurately, not as unwise, but as wise,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> See therefore, brethren, how you walk circumspectly: not as unwise, <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, brothers, see to it that you walk cautiously, not like the foolish, <a href="/nabre/ephesians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Watch therefore, that you live a glorious life, not as foolish men, but as wise men, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> See therefore that you walk honorably, not as the fools, but as the wise,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> See, then, that you walk circumspectly, not as unwise, but as wise men, <a href="/godbey/ephesians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore see how you walk about circumspectly, not as unwise, but wise; <a href="/haweis/ephesians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Take heed, then, that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, <a href="/mace/ephesians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> See then that you behave circumspectly, and not as fools, but as wise, <a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore be very careful how you live and act. Let it not be as unwise men, but as wise. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Look, therefore, carefully, how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, <a href="/worsley/ephesians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise men: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/5-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=931" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Children of Light</a> …14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15<a href="/greek/199.htm" title="199: akribōs (Adv) -- Carefully, exactly, strictly, distinctly. Adverb from the same as akribestatos; exactly.">Pay careful</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: Blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">attention,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">to how</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripateite (V-PIA-2P) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">you walk,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/781.htm" title="781: asophoi (Adj-NMP) -- Unskilled, unwise, foolish. Unwise.">unwise</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophoi (Adj-NMP) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">wise,</a> 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a> Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a> Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a> The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2</a> Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a> So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21-23</a> My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. / They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. / Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a> Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a> The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a> 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 together as one for the faith of the gospel, <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a> So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11</a> Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">2 Corinthians 6:3</a> We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,See.<a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Ephesians 5:33</a> Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.<a href="/matthew/8-4.htm">Matthew 8:4</a> And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.<a href="/matthew/27-4.htm">Matthew 27:4,24</a> Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that… walk.<a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13</a> And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.not.<a href="/2_samuel/24-10.htm">2 Samuel 24:10</a> And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.<a href="/job/2-10.htm">Job 2:10</a> But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.<a href="/psalms/73-22.htm">Psalm 73:22</a> So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Act</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-29.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-5.htm">Exactly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm">Unwise</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Act</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Care</a> <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/philippians/2-28.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/genesis/41-13.htm">Exactly</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Unwise</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 5</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">After general exhortations to love;</a> 3. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">to flee sexual immorality;</a> 4. <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">and all uncleanness;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">not to converse with the wicked;</a> 15. <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">to walk carefully;</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">and to be filled with the Spirit;</a> 22. <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">and husbands ought to love their wives,</a> 32. <a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">even as Christ does his church.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk This phrase emphasizes the importance of vigilance and intentionality in the Christian life. The metaphor of "walking" is frequently used in Scripture to describe one's conduct or way of life (e.g., <a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a>; <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>). In the cultural context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, walking was a common mode of transportation, symbolizing a journey or path. The call to "pay careful attention" suggests a need for discernment and mindfulness, echoing <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a>, which advises careful consideration of one's path. This vigilance is necessary because the surrounding culture often promotes values contrary to Christian teachings.not as unwise but as wise The contrast between wisdom and folly is a recurring theme in biblical literature, particularly in the wisdom books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Wisdom, in a biblical sense, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously. In the historical context of Ephesus, a city known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical schools, the call to live wisely would have been particularly poignant. The wisdom referred to here aligns with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), and is ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges from both pagan influences and internal disputes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/w/walking_in_wisdom.htm">Walking in Wisdom</a> The Greek word for "walk" (peripateo) implies a continuous, habitual lifestyle. Christians are called to consistently live in a manner that reflects God's wisdom. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_daily_life.htm">Discernment in Daily Life</a> Being "wise" (sophos) involves discernment and making choices that align with God's will. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a prayerful attitude. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_foolishness.htm">Avoiding Foolishness</a> The contrast between "wise" and "unwise" (asophos) highlights the danger of living without regard for God's principles. Christians must be vigilant against influences that lead away from godly wisdom. <a href="/topical/i/intentional_living.htm">Intentional Living</a> "Pay careful attention" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to life. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their actions and decisions in light of their faith. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_conduct.htm">Reflecting Christ in Conduct</a> Our walk should reflect Christ's character, serving as a testimony to others. This involves integrity, love, and a commitment to righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 5</a> <a href="/q/what_is_walking_circumspectly.htm">What does it mean to walk circumspectly?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'wipe_every_tear'_mean.htm">What does it mean to walk circumspectly?</a> <a href="/q/is_escapism_considered_a_sin.htm">Is escapism considered a sin?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_manage_and_prioritize_time.htm">How can we effectively manage and prioritize our time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/matthew/2-8.htm" title="And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.">Matthew 2:8</a>; <a href="/luke/1-3.htm" title="It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,">Luke 1:3</a>; <a href="/acts/18-25.htm" title="This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.">Acts 18:25</a>; <a href="/acts/18-28.htm" title="For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.">Acts 18:28</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm" title="For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.">1Thessalonians 5:2</a>); only here and in <a href="/acts/26-5.htm" title="Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most strait sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.">Acts 26:5</a> ("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 (<a href="/colossians/4-5.htm" title=" Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.">Colossians 4:5</a>) 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." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Take heed then how ye walk strictly. The construction is somewhat peculiar, combining two ideas - see that you walk strictly, but consider well the kind of strictness. Do not walk loosely, without fixed principles of action; but make sure that your rules are of the true kind. Many are strict who are not wisely strict; they have rules, but not good rules. Not as unwise, but as wise. This rendering brings out the force of ἄσοφοι and σοφυὶ: "fools" (A.V.) is rather strong, for it is not utter folly that is reproved, but easy-mindedness, want of earnest consideration in a matter so infinitely vital, so as to know what is truly best. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/5-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Pay careful ἀκριβῶς (akribōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_199.htm">Strong's 199: </a> Carefully, exactly, strictly, distinctly. Adverb from the same as akribestatos; exactly. attention, Βλέπετε (Blepete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. then, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. to how πῶς (pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! you walk, περιπατεῖτε (peripateite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. unwise ἄσοφοι (asophoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_781.htm">Strong's 781: </a> Unskilled, unwise, foolish. Unwise. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. wise, σοφοί (sophoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 5:15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk not (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 5:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 5:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>