See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
Truth to Learn
Be careful that you live a godly example, loving others.
Behind the Words
“See” is translated from the Greek verb blepō, which is one of several verbs used with regard to seeing. Blepō refers to the ability to see or perceive, as opposed to being blind. It also means “to look at” something, that is “to observe.”
“Walk” is from peripateō, which we learned earlier in this chapter is a metaphor for how a person lives his or her life.
The word “circumspectly” is translated from akribōs, which is derived from akribēs, meaning “accurate or exact.” Akribōs means “accurately, diligently, carefully, or exactly.”
The word “wise” is from sophos, referring to someone who possesses wisdom (the ability to understand and skillfully apply what one knows). In the New Testament, however, this word also implies an understanding of who God is and what He wants from man.
“Fools” is translated from asophos, which is made up of a, meaning “not” and sophos, meaning “wise.”
Meaning Explained
Paul has been teaching us to avoid close fellowship with those who live their lives in an ungodly manner. In yesterday’s verse he challenged us to wake up and to stand up from among the dead ones. In doing so, Paul tells us that God will give us His light. That is, not only will He illuminate us with the understanding of His word, He will give us His light to shed on the dead ones around us.
Now Paul gives us a couple more nuggets of truth regarding how we should live. He starts today’s verse with “See then that you walk circumspectly.” This is one of the few times I think the NKJV is poorly translated. The English word “circumspectly” means “looking around,” that is, “being cautious.” This is not the message Paul is giving us. He is not saying “be cautious.” He is saying “be diligent, exact, or careful” regarding how you live your life.
A literal translation of the first part of this verse is “Then observe how carefully you walk.” In other words, Paul is telling us to observe ourselves, to look at our own manner of living. As we shed the light of God’s truth on those who are living for themselves, producing unfruitful works of darkness, we need to be aware of how we are living. We need to be careful that we are living a godly example. Too many Christians live their lives in fear – in fear of attacks from our enemy, or in fear that God will punish them for sinning. God does not want us to live in fear, but in hope. Others have learned a set of rules and are living their lives based on those rules. Often this produces a legalism that looks a lot like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time.
In the opening part of this chapter Paul said, “Be imitators of God and walk in love.” If we are watching our own manner of life, we should see godly, loving actions and nothing else.
Application
Instead of living in fear, live your life imitating God and loving those around you. If you do, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’re breaking the rules. Rather, do as James said, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.