Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,323 words, 7 minutes read time

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Walk In Wisdom and Speak Appropriately

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV)

These two verses are set apart at the end of Paul’s instructions to the Colossians to emphasize their importance. Verse 5 has to do with how we walk and verse 6 with what we say.

We are to walk in wisdom toward those who are outside the community of believers. Paul expands this in Ephesians by saying, ¹⁵ “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15 – 17 ESV). Wisdom is necessary because the days are evil, and we must discern God’s will in our approach to those outside the faith living in sin. We are to have understanding and walk straight ahead (Proverbs 15:21) and not get sidetracked with our own desires or interest along the way.

When translating from Greek to English, choices must be made when trying to express the meaning of Greet words. From the Greek, ESV chooses to say, “making the best use of time” while NASB says “making the most of the opportunity.” In a footnote NASB indicates that “redeeming the time” would also be a choice. Looking at parallel translations of this verse shows these three choices to be the most popular. Embracing these three translations encourages us to notice opportunities to reach out to unbelievers with the redeeming message of the gospel thus making good use of our time.

As we have opportunity to speak to those outside the faith, we are to be careful to choose our words correctly. We are to let the word of Christ dwell in us (Colossians 3:16) and when we do our speech will more likely be seasoned with salt, and when so seasoned our words will be formed with the idea to rescue the one to whom we are speaking from the domain of darkness; to redeem.

In our hearts we are to “honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks [us] for a reason for the hope that is in [us]; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience” (1 Peter 3:15 – 16 ESV). As we seek for opportunity to share the gospel message of redemption, we must always be prepared to be a witness for God.

Father if members of the church would live out these two verses, the church would be so much more vibrant and effective in its mission. We would then be the light the world so desperately needs to see. Encourage us to do so.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Living Wisely and Speaking Graciously

Paul teaches believers to represent Christ well before the watching world by living with wisdom, making the most of every opportunity, and speaking with grace and truth. The Christian life is not only demonstrated through actions but also through words that reflect the character of Christ and draw others toward the gospel.

Summary Paragraph

In Colossians 4:5–6, Paul turns his attention to how believers interact with those outside the faith. He instructs Christians to walk in wisdom toward unbelievers, recognizing that opportunities to influence others for Christ are precious and often limited. Rather than living carelessly, believers are to make the most of every moment God provides. Paul also emphasizes the importance of gracious speech. Our words should be seasoned with “salt,” meaning they should be wholesome, appealing, truthful, and beneficial to those who hear them. Such speech enables believers to answer others thoughtfully and appropriately, demonstrating both the truth of the gospel and the love of Christ. These verses remind Christians that their conduct and conversation are powerful tools God uses to bear witness to His saving grace.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does it mean to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders”?

Answer:
Walking in wisdom means living in a way that reflects God’s truth and character before those who do not yet know Christ. It involves making decisions that honor God, avoiding behavior that damages one’s testimony, and demonstrating integrity, kindness, humility, and love. Unbelievers often form opinions about Christianity based on the lives of Christians they observe. Therefore, believers should carefully consider how their actions affect others. Walking wisely also includes recognizing opportunities to share the gospel and being sensitive to the needs and questions of those around us. Wisdom enables believers to know when to speak, when to listen, and how to respond in a manner that points people toward Christ.

2. What does Paul mean by “redeeming the time” or “making the most of every opportunity”?

Answer:
Paul is teaching that opportunities to serve God and influence others are valuable and should not be wasted. Time is one of God’s greatest gifts, and every day presents occasions to encourage, help, teach, serve, or witness to others. Since life is brief and opportunities can quickly pass, believers should be intentional about using their time for God’s purposes. This does not mean being constantly busy, but rather being spiritually alert and prepared to act when God opens a door for ministry. Redeeming the time means recognizing that each moment has eternal significance and seeking to use it wisely for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

3. What does it mean for our speech to be “always with grace”?

Answer:
Gracious speech reflects the kindness, mercy, and love that believers have received from God. Words spoken with grace are respectful, encouraging, patient, and considerate. This does not mean avoiding truth or difficult conversations; rather, it means communicating truth in a loving and compassionate manner. Gracious speech seeks to build others up rather than tear them down. It avoids harshness, bitterness, and unnecessary conflict. When believers speak with grace, they demonstrate the character of Christ and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about spiritual matters.

4. What does Paul mean when he says speech should be “seasoned with salt”?

Answer:
Salt was commonly used in the ancient world both as a preservative and as a seasoning that enhanced flavor. Paul uses this image to describe speech that is meaningful, beneficial, and attractive. Christians should speak in ways that preserve truth, promote righteousness, and bring value to conversations. Salted speech is neither bland nor offensive; it is thoughtful, wise, and engaging. Such words can stimulate interest in spiritual matters, encourage others, and help people understand the gospel. Speech seasoned with salt reflects a balance of truth and grace that honors God and benefits those who listen.

5. Why is it important to know how to answer each person?

Answer:
Every individual has unique experiences, questions, concerns, and spiritual needs. A response that helps one person may not be the most effective response for another. Paul encourages believers to develop wisdom and discernment so they can respond appropriately to each situation. This requires listening carefully, understanding the person being addressed, and depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Jesus Himself tailored His conversations to the specific needs of those He encountered. Likewise, believers should seek to communicate God’s truth in ways that are understandable, relevant, and compassionate. Being prepared to answer each person helps Christians serve as faithful ambassadors of Christ and provides opportunities to point others toward salvation.

Key Lesson

Believers are called to represent Christ through both their conduct and their conversation. By living wisely, making the most of every opportunity, and speaking with grace and truth, Christians become effective witnesses who reflect the character of Christ and open doors for the gospel.