Ephesians 5:15
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
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This verse opens a short unit (5:15-21) on wise living, flowing from the call to walk as children of light. It leads directly into the instruction to redeem the time in verse 16.
What Does Ephesians 5:15 Mean?
Paul calls for careful, attentive living: "See then that ye walk circumspectly." To walk circumspectly is to walk carefully, with eyes open, watching one's step -- the way a person crosses difficult ground, looking all around to avoid hazards. Paul is urging deliberate attention to how we live. The Christian life is not meant to be drifted through carelessly; it calls for thoughtfulness about our choices, our habits, and our direction. "See" is a summons to pay attention, to wake up to how we are actually walking.
He frames it as a clear choice: "not as fools, but as wise." In Scripture, the fool is not someone lacking intelligence but someone who lives without regard for God and the consequences of their actions. The wise person, by contrast, lives skillfully, ordering life according to what is true and good. Paul presents these as the two ways open to every reader, and he urges the path of wisdom. This sets up the next verse about making the most of the time. For the reader, the verse is a call to intentional living. Rather than coasting on autopilot or following the crowd, examine how you walk. Are your choices wise or foolish? Wisdom is not automatic; it requires attention and care. The well-lived life is one walked thoughtfully, with eyes open, choosing the wise path again and again.
In the Original Language
The Greek "akribos" (circumspectly) means carefully, accurately, with precision. "Sophos" (wise) denotes skill in living, the opposite of "asophos," foolish or unwise.
Cross References
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
- Colossians 4:5
“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.”
- Proverbs 4:26
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
- James 1:5
Application
Stop coasting through life on autopilot. Examine how you actually walk -- your habits and choices -- and deliberately choose the wise path rather than the careless one.