Christian Standard Bible
Colossians 4:5
5Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
Colossians 4:5 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
- New International Version (NIV)Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Context of Colossians 4:5
3At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, 4so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. 7Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Read all of Colossians 4Colossians 4:5 word by word
Ἐν σοφίᾳ περιπατεῖτε πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω τὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Colossians 4:5
- Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
- Psalms 90:12Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
- Matthew 10:16“Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.
- Romans 16:19The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Ephesians 5:15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise —
- James 1:5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him.
- James 3:13Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.
- 1 Corinthians 5:12For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside?
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.
- 1 Timothy 3:7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
- 1 Peter 3:1In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by the way their wives live
- Ephesians 5:16making the most of the time, because the days are evil.
Commentaries on Colossians 4:5
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 5Walk in wisdom - Act wisely and prudently in reference to them who are without - who yet continue unbelieving Gentiles or persecuting Jews. The Church of Christ was considered an enclosure; a field, or vineyard, well hedged or walled. Those who were not members of it, were considered without; i.e. not under that especial protection and defense which the true followers of Christ had. This has been since called "The pale of the Church," from palus, a stake…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 5Walk in wisdom - That is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. Toward them that are without - Without the pale of the church, or who are not professing Christians; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 5:12. They were surrounded by pagans, as Christians now are by men of the world. The injunction is one that requires us to act with…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2-6Verses 2-6 No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 5redeeming the time (literally buy up the time): Just like people buy up a product at a good price, Christians should take advantage of every opportunity God gives them to share the good news and serve others.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 55. (See on Ep 5:15, 16.) in wisdom--practical Christian prudence. them ... without--Those not in the Christian brotherhood (1Co 5:12; 1Th 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion. redeeming the time--The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and…Read the comment
Topics related to Colossians 4:5
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Colossians 4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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