Tree of Life Version
Colossians 4:5
5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
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, keep praying for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the message, to proclaim the mystery of Messiah—for which I am in prison. 4Pray that I may make the mystery clear, as I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer everyone. 7Tychicus—a dearly loved brother and trustworthy servant and fellow slave to 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 Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
- Psalms 90:12So teach us to number our days, so that we may get a heart of wisdom.
- Matthew 10:16“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
- Romans 16:19Your obedience has become known to all, so I rejoice over you—but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19However, in Messiah’s community I would rather speak five words with my mind, so I may also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Ephesians 5:15So pay close attention to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise.
- James 1:5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
- James 3:13Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct let him show his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
- 1 Corinthians 5:12For what business do I have judging outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside?
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12so you may behave properly toward outsiders and not have need of anything.
- 1 Timothy 3:7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with those outside, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
- 1 Peter 3:1Likewise, wives, be submitted to your own husbands so that—even if some do not obey the message—by the wives’ conduct, without a word they may be won over
- Ephesians 5:16Make the most of your 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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