Last Day's Essentials-21

Walking in Wisdom

Eph. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Walking in wisdom

For a fifth time Paul used the word “walk” (peripateō), translated “live” in the NIV (Eph. 4:1, 4:17; 5:2, 5:8, 5:15). Here Paul instructed believers to be wise in their walk or conduct by being filled by the Holy Spirit.

See...

βλέπω

blepō

blep'-o

A primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively): - behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed.

then...

οὖν

oun

oon

Apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjugationally) accordingly: - and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.

that...

πῶς

pōs

poce

Adverb from the base of as adverb of place; at by location to, locality; - where, whither; an interrogitive particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!: - how, after (by) what manner (means), that. [Occasionally unexpressed in English.]

So here we are told walk in love, in verse Eph. 5:8 , walk as children of light, and here, walk circumspectly.

Admonition

Proper action: to walk wisely

The NIV’s Be very careful, then, how you live is literally, “Look therefore carefully how you walk.” Does the adverb “carefully” (akribōs, lit. “accurately”) modify “look”? If so the first clause in Eph. 5:15 could be translated, “Therefore look carefully how you walk.” (This is behind the rendering in the ASV, NASB, and NIV.) Or does “careful” modify “walk”? If so, the idea is, “Therefore look that you walk carefully” (cf. KJV). This second alternative is preferred because better Greek manuscripts place akribōs closer to the Greek word “walk” and because in the New Testament the Greek imperative “look” (blepete) is never modified by an adverb.

ye walk...

περιπατέω

peripateō

per-ee-pat-eh'-o

From properly through all over, that is, around and meaning a path, to trample: - tread; to tread all around, that is, walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary): - go, be occupied with, walk (about).

Perfectly (Acts 18:26; 23:15, 23:20; 1Th. 5:2); perfect (Luke 1:3; Acts 24:22); and diligently (Mat. 2:8; Acts 18:25). It means to walk about watching on every hand to avoid danger and enemies—live the gospel by watching your conduct.

circumspectly...

ἀκριβῶς

akribōs

ak-ree-boce'

Adverb from the same as most exact: most straightest; exactly: - circumspectly, diligently, perfect (-ly).

not...

μή

mē

may

A primary particle of qualified negation (whereas absolutely negative, no or not expresses an absolute denial); (adverbially) not, (conjugationally) lest; also (as interrogitive implying a negative answer [whereas absolutely negative, no or not expects an affirmative one]); whether: - any, but, (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, [can-] not, nothing, that not, un [-taken], without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.

as...

ὡς

hōs

hoce

Probably adverb of compound from pronoun, who, which, what, that; which how, that is, in that manner (very variously used as shown): - about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when ([-soever]), while, X with all speed.

fools,...

ἄσοφος

asophos

as'-of-os

From the first (as a negative particle) and clear; wise; unwise: - fool.

but...

ἀλλά

alla

al-lah'

Neuter plural of else, that is different; properly other things, that is, (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations): - and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.

as... see above.

wise,...

σοφός

sophos

sof-os'

Akin to σαφής saphēs (clear); wise (in a most general application): - wise.