The Bible verse Ephesians 5:15 says “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” The word “circumspectly” means to walk carefully, thoughtfully, and with wisdom. Let’s explore what it means to “walk circumspectly” according to this verse:
1. Walking circumspectly means being intentional about how we live
To walk circumspectly means we are purposeful and deliberate about the choices we make each day. It is the opposite of coasting through life without thought or intention. Circumspect living requires us to be alert, self-controlled, and actively engaged in choosing to honor God (1 Peter 5:8). Rather than passively going with the flow of culture, we need to carefully think through decisions in light of God’s truth and standards found in Scripture (Psalm 119:105). Walking wisely requires identifying temptations and avoiding potential pitfalls that could compromise our witness or relationship with Christ (Proverbs 4:14-15). We must be vigilant to exercise discernment and biblically test everything we think, say, and do (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). This intentional approach should extend to all areas – from how we manage time to how we interact with others at home, work, church, and in the digital world. The key is being purposeful in walking out our faith rather than just coasting.
2. Walking circumspectly means applying wisdom to life
In addition to being intentional, walking circumspectly means applying wisdom to all of life. Wisdom comes from seeking God who gives generously to all who ask (James 1:5). The book of Proverbs portrays wisdom as a woman crying out and inviting people to receive understanding (Proverbs 1:20-21, 8:1-11). We develop wisdom by reading Scripture, studying God’s attributes, spending time in prayer, receiving counsel from godly mentors, and listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance each day. As we grow in wisdom, we are able to walk wisely. This plays out in countless practical ways such as managing finances, pursuing education and career paths, cultivating healthy relationships, raising children, using social media, and exercising stewardship. Asking “How can I handle this situation with God’s wisdom?” should become second nature. Wisdom protects us from deceitful desires and teaches us to walk in righteousness (Hebrews 5:14, James 3:17). Our choices and behaviors will increasingly reflect the wisdom that comes from above.
3. Walking circumspectly means rejecting unwise paths
In addition to actively pursuing wisdom, walking circumspectly also requires rejecting foolish and unwise paths. Ephesians 5:15 describes the opposite of wise living as “unwise.” In other words, we must identify and avoid foolish ways of living that the Bible warns against. What are some examples of “unwise paths” we must reject and steer clear of as followers of Christ? These include: drunkenness, gluttony, sexual immorality, covetousness, materialism, dishonesty, slander, pride, laziness, and hypocrisy (Proverbs 23:20-21, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:5, Colossians 3:9, Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 21:25, Matthew 23:27-28). Wisdom is not just avoiding obvious sins but also subtler unwise patterns like worry, discontentment, and people-pleasing that can erode our faith. We must proactively identify unbiblical perspectives and values we may have absorbed from culture and consciously reject walking in foolishness as we grow in discernment.
4. Walking circumspectly means embracing wisdom’s corrections
An important part of walking wisely is humbly embracing wisdom’s corrections when we veer off course. Since none of us have perfect wisdom, we will make foolish choices at times or stray onto unwise paths through ignorance or sin. In those instances, wisdom’s guiding hand lovingly corrects us. The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a kind instructress who reproves and redirects her students away from foolish ways (Proverbs 1:20-33, 9:7-8). Similarly, the Lord disciplines those He loves out of a desire to produce righteousness in them (Hebrews 12:5-11). Though painful for a moment, embracing God’s loving corrections causes us to walk more circumspectly. It may come through the wise counsel of family or friends, conviction of the Holy Spirit, illuminating Scripture, or natural consequences that expose our foolishness. Repenting with humility then allows wisdom to restore us to a wise path again (Galatians 6:1). Ongoing correction is part of walking circumspectly.
5. Walking circumspectly means learning discernment
Walking wisely also requires discernment so we can navigate the uncertainty and complexities of life. Discernment enables us to separate truth from falsehood, right from wrong, helpful from harmful, and wise from foolish. Since we live in a fallen world filled with moral gray areas and a cacophony of competing voices, we must learn to walk circumspectly by practicing discernment. We grow in discernment by studying Scripture, learning biblical principles, understanding God’s character, producing spiritual fruit, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance within (Hebrews 5:14, John 16:13, Galatians 5:22-23). Discernment applies God’s timeless wisdom to contemporary situations so we can walk wisely in a complex world. With discernment, we avoid foolish paths and stay true to God’s truth. We also receive insight for handling life’s dilemmas in ways that honor Christ (Philippians 1:9-10).
6. Walking circumspectly means living purposefully
In summary, to “walk circumspectly” essentially means to live purposefully and intentionally in light of God’s wisdom. This encompasses pursuing wisdom, rejecting foolishness, embracing correction, and developing discernment. When we walk circumspectly, we actively apply God’s truth to the practical details of life each day. Our priorities, choices, behaviors, and habits all flow out of wisdom rather than just drifting with the culture. There is thoughtfulness in how we manage time, talents, and resources. We filter media messages, social connections, and news through a lens of biblical truth. Our words, actions, and lifestyle choices honor Christ. Walking circumspectly requires wisdom and vigilance but blesses us by bearing good fruit in our lives. The more we walk wisely with the Spirit’s help, the more we shine His light in a confused world (Matthew 5:14-16).
7. Examples of walking circumspectly
Walking circumspectly touches every area of life. Here are some examples of what it looks like in everyday situations:
Finances
Planning a budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, generously giving, and leaving inheritances (Proverbs 21:20, 22:7, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Proverbs 13:22).
Purity
Fleeing lust, establishing proper boundaries, accounting for actions and time, and pursuing holiness (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Timothy 5:2, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Peter 1:15).
Speech
Speaking truthfully, avoiding gossip, thinking before responding, and using words to build others up (Ephesians 4:25, 29, James 1:19, Proverbs 15:4).
Work
Working diligently, managing time well, serving cheerfully, and working to glorify God (Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 5:16, Philippians 2:14-15).
Relationships
Being faithful to our spouse, nurturing close friendships, cultivating oneness in the church, honoring parents, and considering others before ourselves (Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 27:10, Ephesians 4:3, Exodus 20:12, Philippians 2:3-4).
Social Media
Thinking before posting, capturing truth in love, avoiding comparison, and redeeming time spent online (James 1:19, Ephesians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 10:12, Ephesians 5:16).
Entertainment
Setting healthy boundaries for technology, choosing uplifting music/movies, trying new hobbies, and nourishing our spirit well (Titus 2:12, Philippians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 6:12).
8. Walking circumspectly requires depending on God
Trying to walk circumspectly in our own strength is impossible and exhausting. We need the empowering grace of Christ at work within us to walk wisely. That is why Jesus told His followers apart from Him they could do nothing (John 15:5). As the apostle Paul described, living the Christian life is Christ living through us (Galatians 2:20). Thankfully Scripture says God gives generously to all who ask for wisdom (James 1:5). He also put His Spirit in us to guide, convict, empower, transform, and produce His wise fruit through our lives (John 14:26, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:22-23). Walking wisely requires humility, faith, and dependence as we rely fully on Christ to live as salt and light through us. This happens as we daily surrender control to Him, obey His Word, and let the Spirit renew our minds and transform our lives (Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 12:2). By God’s strength, we can walk circumspectly and shine Christ even in dark times.
9. Circumspect living leads to blessing and fruitfulness
There are many benefits to heeding God’s Word and walking circumspectly as wise followers of Christ. When we live intentionally by God’s principles with the Spirit’s help, we avoid much pain and regret. Circumspect living produces spiritual fruit such as righteousness, faithfulness, and self-control as we mature in godliness through life’s varied seasons. There are relational blessings as we build deeper connections grounded in godly wisdom. Walking wisely helps us become dependable friends, more loving family members, and people others look to for righteous counsel. Our example shines for Christ and draws others to know Him. There is great reward in store for those who walk uprightly according to God’s truth (Psalm 15, Psalm 84:11, Matthew 25:14-23). Even when circumstances are painful, we can have joy and peace as we walk circumspectly with an eternal perspective. Our lives will bear fruit that has lasting impact for eternity as we keep in step with the wisdom of Christ each day.
10. Resources for walking circumspectly
Walking circumspectly requires carefully applying God’s timeless wisdom to navigate life well. For those desiring to build greater wisdom and walk more circumspectly, here are some recommended resources:
– Read a chapter of Proverbs each day to soak in godly wisdom
– Study inductive Bible studies on wisdom passages like Proverbs and James
– Take a course on biblical discernment and practical theology at a solid seminary
– Seek out mentors who can provide biblical counsel and share from their experience
– Attend a church with in-depth Bible teaching and fellowship with wise believers
– Meet regularly with spiritually mature Christians who can help you apply Scripture wisely
– Read Christian biographies to learn from exemplary lives marked by wise choices
– Memorize verses about wisdom like Proverbs 3:5-7 to meditate on and access quickly
– Listen to podcasts, sermons, or speeches focused on gaining biblical wisdom
– Be accountable to a group that will support you, pray with you, and keep you on a wise path
Of course, these are just supplemental tools. Most importantly, pursue close friendship with Christ daily through Scripture reading, prayer, worship, and obedience. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and walk circumspectly in His power and for His glory each day.