Ephesians 5:15

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

Ephesians 5:15 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
English Standard Version (ESV)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
The Message Bible (MSG)
15 So watch your step. Use your head.
American Standard Version (ASV)
15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
15 So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk-not as unwise people but as wise-
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
15 So be very careful how you live. Do not live like people who aren't wise. Live like people who are wise.

Ephesians 5:15 Meaning and Commentary

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 and citation, to take heed to their walk: the believer's walk is both inward and outward; his inward walk is by faith on Christ; his outward walk is his conversation among men: this supposes life; requires strength and prudence; denotes continuance and progression; with patience and courage: this walk should be seen to, and watched over; a man should see to it that he does walk, and to the way in which he walks, and how he walks; that he walks circumspectly, with his eyes about him; that he walks with diligence, caution, accuracy, and exactness, to the uttermost of his strength and power; and with wisdom and prudence, looking well to his going:

not as fools, but as wise;
such walk like fools, whose eyes are not upon their ways; who walk in their own ways, which are crooked, and ways of darkness, and lead to destruction; who walk after the flesh, and naked, without the garments of a holy life and conversation; and with lamps, but no oil in them: and such walk as wise men, who walk according to the rule of God's word, make Christ their pattern, have the Spirit for their guide, and walk as becomes the Gospel of Christ; inoffensively to all men, in wisdom towards them that are without, and in love to them that are within; and as pilgrims and strangers in this world, looking for a better country; and so as to promote the glory of God, and the good of souls.

Ephesians 5:15 In-Context

13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Cross References 1

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