New English Translation
Colossians 4:5
5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.
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 for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may make it known as I should. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone. 7Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave 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 in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.
- Psalms 90:12So teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely.
- Matthew 10:16“I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
- Romans 16:19Your obedience is known to all and thus I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19but in the church I want to speak five words with my mind to instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Ephesians 5:15Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,
- James 1:5But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.
- James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.
- 1 Corinthians 5:12For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside?
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12In this way you will live a decent life before outsiders and not be in need.
- 1 Timothy 3:7And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.
- 1 Peter 3:1In the same way, wives, be subject to your own husbands. Then, even if some are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without a word by the way you live,
- Ephesians 5:16taking advantage of every opportunity, 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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