Ephesians 5:15-17

Walk Wisely

       15    Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
       16     making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
       17    So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

Ephesians 5:15-17

“Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.”--J.I. Packer

“Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.”--J.I. Packer

Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
         And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

15) Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise...17b) be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.

circumspect - to carefully consider all of the circumstances, ramifications, and potential consequences

Prov 3:14 - "For [wisdom's] benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold."

15) Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise...17b) be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.

Proverbs 2:3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;

4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

15) Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise...17b) be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.

Matthew 7:24 “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock.

25 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because it had been founded on rock.

26 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

27 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed; it was utterly destroyed!"

Proverbs 28:13 - "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

Proverbs 26:11 - "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly."

15) Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise...17b) be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.

Eph 5:15 Therefore be careful how you live, not as unwise men but as wise,

16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

"When you walk with the Lord,

every tragedy

is also an opportunity."

1.) The wise person tries to see life from God’s perspective. The fool only sees from his.

1.) The wise person tries to see life from God’s perspective. The fool only sees from his.

2.) The wise person is careful to look for what God thinks is best. The fool rushes through life assuming his way is fine.

1.) The wise person tries to see life from God’s perspective. The fool only sees from his.

2.) The wise person is careful to look for what God thinks is best. The fool rushes through life assuming his way is fine.

3.) The wise person digs for more wisdom. The fool figures he’s got enough how he is.

1.) The wise person tries to see life from God’s perspective. The fool only sees from his.

2.) The wise person is careful to look for what God thinks is best. The fool rushes through life assuming his way is fine.

3.) The wise person digs for more wisdom. The fool figures he’s got enough how he is.

4.) The wise person pays careful attention to his own behavior, looking for what is unwise in him. The fool examines others’ behaviors and compares himself favorably.

5.) The wise person learns what God says and does it. The fool learns what God says and decides to remain his own master.

5.) The wise person learns what God says and does it. The fool learns what God says and decides to remain his own master.

6.) The wise person admits and renounces his mistakes. The fool is scared to admit fault and instead blames others and takes no ownership.

5.) The wise person learns what God says and does it. The fool learns what God says and decides to remain his own master.

6.) The wise person admits and renounces his mistakes. The fool is scared to admit fault and instead blames others and takes no ownership.

7.) The wise person takes steps to prevent repeating his mistakes. The fool returns again and again.

5.) The wise person learns what God says and does it. The fool learns what God says and decides to remain his own master.

6.) The wise person admits and renounces his mistakes. The fool is scared to admit fault and instead blames others and takes no ownership.

7.) The wise person takes steps to prevent repeating his mistakes. The fool returns again and again.

8.) The wise person looks for opportunities to glorify Jesus in an evil world. The fool points out evil, but stops there.

9.) The wise person sees tragedy as an opportunity to glorify Jesus. The fool is merely an angry victim.

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.