Bible Strands
Ephesians 5:15
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian believers, placing this directive between a call to spiritual awakening and an exhortation to redeem the time. The apostle frames the instruction as a direct command for daily conduct in a morally compromised environment.
The words — The Greek imperative βλέπετε (blepete) means "do take heed," while περιπατεῖτε (peripateite) literally translates to "you walk," establishing the instruction as a continuous, observable pattern of life. The adverb ἀκριβῶς (akribōs) intensifies the command to examine this conduct "carefully."
The thread — This directive aligns with Colossians 4:5, which commands acting wisely toward outsiders and redeeming the time, and Philippians 1:27, which requires conduct worthy of the gospel. James 3:13 further connects wisdom to visible good deeds performed in humility.
Why it lands — The text demands a deliberate, observable shift from careless living to disciplined daily practice. It requires readers to measure ordinary actions against a standard of wisdom rather than passive habit or cultural expectation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Cross-references
- Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
- Philippians 1:27 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,
- 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
- Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
- 1 Timothy 6:9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
- 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
- Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
- Luke 24:25 Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.