^5 (A)Walk in wisdom toward ^(B)outsiders, making the best use of the time.

^15 (A)Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ^16 (B)making the best use of the time, because ^(C)the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what ^(D)the will of the Lord is.

¹² so that you may ^(A)walk properly before ^(B)outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Wisdom from Above

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? ^(A)By his good conduct let him show his works ^(B)in the meekness of wisdom.

¹⁹ For ^(A)your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you ^(B)to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.

Persecution Will Come

^16 (A)“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be ^(B)wise as serpents and ^(C)innocent as doves.

¹⁷ But ^(A)the wisdom from above is first pure, then ^(B)peaceable, gentle, open to reason, ^(C)full of mercy and good fruits, ^(D)impartial and ^(E)sincere.

⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by ^(A)outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into ^(B)a snare of the devil.

¹⁶ Let ^(A)the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, ^(B)singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, ^(C)with thankfulness in your hearts to God.