Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders

Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders

In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul calls believers to mindful, graceful living: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” This is a reminder that our faith is not only for the church, it is meant to shine beyond it. “Them that are without” refers to those outside the faith. Paul is saying, be careful how you live around unbelievers. Your actions may be the only sermon they’ll ever hear. Walk wisely, let your conduct reflect Christ with clarity, compassion, and integrity.

Wisdom is needed because the world is watching. Every word, reaction, and decision paints a picture of who Jesus is to you. “Redeeming the time” means making every moment count, being intentional, not casual, about your witness. Time spent around non-believers is not wasted when lived wisely. You don’t need to be loud to be effective. Sometimes a kind gesture, a calm response, or a timely word carries more power than a long explanation. Wisdom makes faith attractive, not abrasive. It opens hearts rather than shutting them down.

Paul then speaks of speech: let it be gracious and seasoned with salt. Gracious words are kind, thoughtful, and full of mercy. Salt adds flavour and preserves, so should your speech. Don’t use empty or careless words. Speak with meaning and care. Let your answers build bridges, not walls. You don’t need to win every argument; you need to reflect Jesus. When your walk and your words align with wisdom and grace, even skeptics begin to wonder about the hope within you. Today, walk wisely. Speak kindly. Shine brightly. Someone may take their first step toward Christ because of how you lived.

Word Affirmation: (Deuteronomy 4:6, KJV) "Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations..." (KJV) (Don't just say it, mean it!)

Personalise: I walk wisely and speak with grace. My life reflects God’s goodness to all who see me.

“Your daily life is someone’s glimpse of God, walk wisely, speak graciously.”

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