^5 (A)Walk in ^(B)wisdom toward those who are outside, ^(C)redeeming the time.

Walk in Wisdom

^15 (A)See then that you walk ^[a]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ^16 (B)redeeming the time, ^(C)because the days are evil.

^17 (D)Therefore do not be unwise, but ^(E)understand ^(F)what the will of the Lord is.

^12 (A)that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

^13 (A)Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

¹⁹ For ^(A)your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be ^(B)wise in what is good, and ^[a]simple concerning evil.

¹⁷ But ^(A)the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, ^(B)without partiality ^(C)and without hypocrisy.

Persecutions Are Coming^(A)

^16 (B)“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. ^(C)Therefore be wise as serpents and ^(D)harmless^[a] as doves.

⁷ Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the ^(A)snare of the devil.

^5 (A)If any of you lacks wisdom, ^(B)let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and ^(C)it will be given to him.