Ephesians 5:15-20: Walking in Wisdom
Introduction
In Ephesians 5:15-20, Paul challenges believers to walk wisely in a world that often encourages foolishness and immorality. While we live in a society where distractions abound and temptations are everywhere, the apostle calls us to a different standard—a life characterized by intentionality, understanding, and spiritual depth. These verses offer practical instructions on how to walk in wisdom and make the most of our time. The wisdom Paul speaks of isn’t merely intellectual; it’s rooted in the fear of the Lord and in being filled with the Holy Spirit. In a world that often encourages thoughtless living, we are called to live in ways that reflect God’s wisdom and glory.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Ephesians 5:15-20 and Commentary
Ephesians 5:15 Be Very Careful How you live
– Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.
Paul begins with a straightforward admonition: “Be very careful how you live.” This instruction is a call to intentionality. As believers, we should not live carelessly or haphazardly, but rather with wisdom and purpose. To live wisely is to live in alignment with God’s will, to discern his guidance in our daily decisions, and to actively avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.
In the Bible, wisdom is often associated with fearing the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). It’s not simply about accumulating knowledge or understanding but about a deep reverence for God that shapes our actions and choices. In contrast, foolishness in the biblical sense is a life that disregards God and his ways. To walk in wisdom means to consider God’s truth in all our decisions, relationships, and priorities. Psalm 1 describes this beautifully.
This is especially important in today’s world, where distractions and pressures can easily lead us away from the path of wisdom. Paul’s command to “be very careful” emphasizes that we must be vigilant, actively guarding against the influences of a world that often promotes the opposite of God’s wisdom.
Ephesians 5:16 – Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.
Paul’s next instruction is to “make the most of every opportunity.” The idea here is to redeem time. Time is a gift, and we are called to use it wisely. In the context of living in a world full of evil and temptation, we are to take every opportunity to live according to God’s wisdom, making the most of the time we have to grow in faith, serve others, and build God’s kingdom.
This notion of redeeming time ties into the idea that life is short and fleeting (Psalm 90:12). We cannot afford to waste time on things that do not matter. Our days are numbered, and the opportunity to live for Christ is precious. The phrase “the days are evil” serves as a reminder that the world is full of distractions, temptations, and challenges that can pull us away from our calling. Therefore, we must be intentional in how we spend our time, seeking to invest it in ways that honor God and further his purposes.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages believers to think about whatever is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.” Redeeming the time means filling our lives with these things, using our time for the things that matter for eternity.
Ephesians 5:17 – Understand the Lord’s Will
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Paul calls his readers to “understand what the Lord’s will is.” To walk in wisdom, we must know God’s will. This requires both discernment and understanding, which comes from studying God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and seeking counsel from other believers. Wisdom isn’t something we can just stumble upon; it requires effort and commitment to understanding God’s purposes and aligning our lives with them.
In 1 John 2:17, the apostle John reminds us that “the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” God’s will is not just a set of rules to follow; it is the pathway to eternal life. To understand God’s will is to understand his heart for us—his desire for us to live in relationship with him and to reflect his love and holiness in the world.
Walking in wisdom requires that we make God’s will the foundation of our lives. This means not only avoiding foolishness but also actively pursuing his purposes, whether in our personal lives, our relationships, or our work.
Ephesians 5:18 – Do not get drunk; be filled with the Spirit
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Here, Paul contrasts two different ways of living: one leads to debauchery (excessive indulgence), and the other leads to being filled with the Holy Spirit. Getting drunk on wine symbolizes the pursuit of fleeting pleasures that ultimately lead to destruction. It’s an example of living according to the desires of the flesh rather than the desires of the Spirit.
Instead of living in excess or giving in to worldly temptations, believers are called to be “filled with the Spirit.” This phrase highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. To be filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continual process. It involves yielding to the Spirit’s guidance and allowing him to shape our hearts and minds according to God’s will.
In Philippians 1:9-11, Paul prays that the Philippians’ love “may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.” This knowledge and insight come from the Holy Spirit, who equips us to live wisely and to make decisions that reflect God’s character. Being filled with the Spirit is what enables us to live out our calling, offering a direct contrast to the foolishness that arises from living according to the flesh.
Ephesians 5:19 Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
– Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,
In verse 19, Paul moves from the idea of being filled with the Spirit to the tangible outworking of that filling. One of the primary ways the Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer is through worship. Here, Paul encourages believers to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. This is a call to encourage one another through worship and to let the joy of the Lord overflow in our relationships.
Worship is not confined to Sunday mornings in a church building but should be a continual part of the believer’s life. Singing and making music from the heart to the Lord is a way of expressing our gratitude, joy, and love for God. It is also a way of encouraging and edifying one another, as we speak words of truth and hope through music and song.
In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always and to bring their requests to God in prayer. The act of worship, including singing, is a way of rejoicing in God’s goodness and expressing our trust in his faithfulness.
Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks to God
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul closes this section with a call to give thanks “for everything.” Living wisely means recognizing God’s sovereignty over all things and offering gratitude in every circumstance. A life of wisdom is a life that sees God’s hand at work, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges.
Thanksgiving is a natural response to the work of God in our lives. It acknowledges that everything we have, every good gift, comes from God. As we walk in wisdom, we cultivate hearts of thankfulness, understanding that even in our trials, God is at work for our good.
Ephesians 5:15-20 The Meaning for Today
In these verses, Paul offers practical advice for living wisely in a fallen world. We are called to make the most of our time, understand God’s will, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and offer worship and thanksgiving in all things. This call to wisdom is not just about making good decisions; it’s about living a life that reflects the character of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Walking in Wisdom: A Call to Action
1. Live Intentionally and Carefully
Walking in wisdom means living with purpose. It’s about being intentional in how we spend our time, making sure that we are prioritizing what matters most. In a world that is filled with distractions and temptations, we are called to be careful about where we invest our time, energy, and resources.
2. Seek God’s Will
Wisdom comes from understanding God’s will for our lives. We must seek God’s guidance through prayer, the study of his Word, and the counsel of other believers. As we grow in our understanding of his will, we can live more fully in alignment with his purposes.
3. Be Filled with the Spirit
Being filled with the Spirit is crucial to walking in wisdom. It’s the Spirit who enables us to make godly decisions, to resist temptation, and to live in a way that honors God. We must continually yield to the Spirit’s leading and allow him to shape our hearts and minds.
4. Cultivate a Heart of Thanksgiving and Worship
A life of wisdom is also a life of worship. As we walk in wisdom, we are called to constantly give thanks to God for all He has done. Our lives should be marked by an attitude of gratitude, reflecting the joy and peace that come from knowing Christ.
Application for the Church Today
In today’s fast-paced world, walking in wisdom is more important than ever. With so many voices competing for our attention, we must be intentional about how we live and what we prioritize. The wisdom that Paul describes is not just for a select few; it is for all believers. As we walk in wisdom, we reflect the love and grace of God, shining as lights in a dark world.
As we seek to live wisely, let us remember that the source of wisdom is Christ himself. He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom, and it is through him that we are able to live wisely and make decisions that honor God.
Conclusion
Ephesians 5:15-20 calls us to walk in wisdom, making the most of our time and living in alignment with God’s will. As we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, worship with our whole hearts, and give thanks in all things, we reflect
God’s wisdom in the world around us. This is not just a call to intellectual understanding, but a practical, everyday lifestyle. As we reflect on the wisdom of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand that living wisely is about living intentionally—being aware of how each choice, action, and relationship reflects God’s kingdom.
As the church, we must encourage one another in this pursuit of wisdom. When we gather for worship, in fellowship, or in small groups, we have the opportunity to speak truth into each other’s lives, to sing psalms and hymns that lift our hearts and point us to Christ, and to give thanks for the countless blessings God has poured out on us.
Walking in wisdom also means being active in discerning how we can be a light in the world. Whether it’s in our families, our workplaces, or our communities, we are called to live in a way that reflects God’s grace and truth. When we walk wisely, we shine as examples of Christ’s love, showing the world that there is a better way—a way of peace, wisdom, and joy that is found in him.
In the face of the world’s challenges and distractions, we must hold fast to the wisdom that comes from God, knowing that it is the only true path to life. Just as Christ walked wisely during his earthly ministry, so are we called to follow in his footsteps, allowing his wisdom to guide every aspect of our lives.
Let us be people who walk in wisdom—carefully, intentionally, and with a heart full of worship and gratitude for all that God has done in and through us. As we do, we will reflect the light of Christ to the world, drawing others to his saving grace and eternal wisdom.
