See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

EPHESIANS 5:15KJV
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Ephesians 5:15 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:15 mean?

Ephesians 5:15 urges readers to pay careful attention to how they live, choosing to act with wisdom rather than foolishness. The verse emphasizes being intentional and thoughtful in daily conduct, not just going through life carelessly.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, encouraging them to stand out in their behavior within a culture that often did not value godly wisdom. This verse comes in a section where Paul is describing how followers of Jesus should live differently, especially in how they make decisions and interact with the world around them.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:15

  • The word "circumspectly" translates the Greek ἀκριβῶς (akribōs), which means "accurately," "carefully," or "exactly." Paul is not just calling for general caution, but for a precise, thoughtful way of living.
  • The word "walk" is περιπατεῖτε (peripateite), often used in the New Testament to mean "conduct your life" or "live." This shows Paul is talking about a whole way of life, not just isolated actions.
  • The contrast between "fools" (ἄσοφοι, asophoi) and "wise" (σοφοί, sophoi) highlights a deliberate choice between two paths—living thoughtlessly or living with discernment and understanding.

Why Ephesians 5:15 matters

  • Ephesians 5:15 corrects the idea that faith is only about belief; Paul stresses that how one lives every day is just as important.
  • The verse highlights the need for self-awareness and intentionality, especially in a world where it is easy to drift into unwise habits.
  • This instruction sets up the following verses, where Paul explains what wise living looks like in practical terms, connecting wisdom to daily decisions and relationships.

Where else these words appear

“circumspectly” Greek G199 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
  • Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

“wise” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

“walk” Greek G4043 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

“that” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.