Walking in Wisdom

The pursuit of wisdom is a central theme in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament book of Proverbs and the New Testament epistles of the Apostle Paul. Wisdom, in the Biblical sense, is not simply an intellectual pursuit but a practical skill in living, rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). In this way, wisdom functions as a guide to avoiding spiritual and moral dangers. This concept is the essence of what Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:15-16, urging believers to walk “circumspectly,” or carefully, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Similarly, the first nine chapters of Proverbs are framed as the counsel of a father to his son, emphasizing the importance of gaining wisdom to avoid the snares and traps of life. In this blog post, we will explore the nature of wisdom, its necessity in navigating a world filled with evil, and how believers are called to cultivate wisdom as a way of life, with a special focus on Ephesians 5:15-16 and Proverbs 2:12-22.

The Nature of Wisdom in the Bible

The Hebrew concept of wisdom is best understood as *skill*, particularly the skill to avoid moral and spiritual pitfalls. It is not simply a matter of acquiring knowledge but of applying it practically. In Proverbs 2:1-6, wisdom is likened to a treasure that must be diligently sought after: “If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5, ESV). The acquisition of wisdom is presented as a process requiring time, effort, and an earnest desire to understand the ways of God.

This pursuit of wisdom, however, is not merely for intellectual satisfaction but for protection and guidance. As Proverbs 2:12-15 describes, wisdom will “deliver you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness” (Proverbs 2:12-13, ESV). The person who has gained wisdom is able to discern the moral dangers in life and avoid them. The image here is one of a person who carefully walks through a treacherous path, avoiding pitfalls and traps.

Walking Carefully in Evil Days

Paul picks up this same theme in his letter to the Ephesians, particularly in Ephesians 5:15-16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). Paul is echoing the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament, urging believers to live in a way that reflects careful thought and discernment. The word “circumspectly” carries the idea of looking all around and paying close attention to one’s surroundings. This careful walk is contrasted with the life of the “fool,” who stumbles through life without regard to the dangers around him.

Why is such careful living necessary? Paul answers: “Because the days are evil.” Believers must be vigilant in a world marked by sin, deception, and moral compromise. The phrase “the days are evil” calls to mind the warnings of Jesus in Matthew 24, where He speaks of a time when “many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11-12, ESV). According to Paul, living wisely involves maximizing God’s opportunities and recognizing that time is short and the world is full of temptations and distractions.

Paul’s exhortation to “redeem the time” is particularly insightful. The Greek word for “time” here is *kairos*, which refers to a specific moment or opportunity rather than the general passage of time (*Chronos*). Paul is not simply telling us to make good use of our hours and days but to seize the moments of opportunity that God provides. As believers, we are called to be like the shrewd businessman who “buys up” opportunities for the glory of God, making the most of the time God has allotted to us.

The Trap of Foolishness

Both Paul and the book of Proverbs highlight the dangers of living foolishly, that is, without wisdom. Proverbs 2:12-22 vividly describes the paths of the wicked and the immoral and the consequences of walking in those paths. The “man who speaks perverse things” and those who “leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness” are set against the path of wisdom (Proverbs 2:12-13, ESV). These individuals “rejoice in doing evil” and “delight in the perversity of the wicked” (Proverbs 2:14, ESV). Their paths are described as “crooked” and “devious,” and those who follow them are ultimately destroyed.

Paul, too, warns against foolish living. In Ephesians 5:17, he writes, “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (ESV). To live without seeking God’s wisdom is to live in foolishness. This foolishness is a moral failure and a failure to recognize the dangers surrounding us. Those who walk foolishly are like individuals who walk blindly through a battlefield, unaware of the traps and snares that have been set for them.

In contrast, those who walk wisely are able to discern the will of the Lord. This discernment comes through a deep and growing knowledge of God’s Word. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, ESV). Walking in wisdom involves knowing the Scriptures and applying them to every area of life. As believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word, they also grow in their ability to discern His will in everyday life decisions and directions.

Redeeming the Time in a Fallen World

Paul’s call to “redeem the time” takes on special urgency in light of the evil days in which we live. In James 4:13-17, we are reminded of the brevity and uncertainty of life: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:13-14, ESV). The apostle James warns against a presumptuous attitude toward life, assuming that we have unlimited time to accomplish our plans and goals. Instead, we are called to live with a sense of dependence on God, seeking His will in all things.

Redeeming the time, therefore, means living with intentionality and purpose. It means recognizing that every day is an opportunity to serve God and advance His Kingdom. In Galatians 6:10, Paul uses the same Greek word for “opportunity” (*kairos*) when he exhorts believers: “So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10, ESV). Every moment is a gift from God, and believers are called to use those moments wisely for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Wisdom and Deliverance from Evil

Proverbs 2 speaks of the pursuit of wisdom and wisdom’s power to deliver us from evil. Proverbs 2:12-15 describes how wisdom “delivers you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness” (Proverbs 2:12-13, ESV). Wisdom serves as a safeguard, protecting believers from the corrupting influences of wicked men. The path of the wicked is described as one of moral darkness, crookedness, and perversity, and those who walk in it “rejoice in doing evil” (Proverbs 2:14, ESV).

Wisdom provides discernment in a world where evil is celebrated and perversity is often applauded. It enables believers to recognize the dangers of associating with those who have forsaken righteousness and have chosen to walk in moral darkness. In the words of Proverbs 2:15, their “ways are crooked, and…devious in their paths” (Proverbs 2:15, ESV). This deviousness is not merely a matter of outward behavior but reflects a deep-seated moral corruption. Those who reject wisdom are on a path that leads to destruction.

Wisdom as Protection

The latter half of Proverbs 2 focuses on another form of danger that wisdom protects against the immoral woman. Solomon writes, “So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God” (Proverbs 2:16-17, ESV). Here, the immoral woman represents a form of temptation that is both alluring and destructive. Her “smooth words” and flattering speech are powerful tools of seduction, leading the unsuspecting into moral ruin.

Once again, wisdom is portrayed as the means of deliverance. It allows the believer to see beyond the immediate allure of sin and recognize the long-term consequences. Solomon warns, “Her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life” (Proverbs 2:18-19, ESV). The imagery here is graphic, emphasizing the finality and destruction that come from following the path of sexual immorality.

In a New Testament context, Paul echoes these warnings in passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, where he admonishes believers to “flee from sexual immorality” and reminds them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-19, ESV). In both the Old and New Testaments, wisdom is portrayed as a defense against the destructive power of sin, especially sexual sin.

Conclusion

The Biblical call to walk in wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a call to live in a way that reflects a deep awareness of the moral and spiritual dangers surrounding us. Ephesians 5:15-16 and Proverbs 2:12-22 emphasize the necessity of wisdom in avoiding the pitfalls of life and walking in a pleasing manner to God. In a world where the days are evil, believers are called to redeem the time, making the most of every opportunity to live for the glory of God. Wisdom, as a gift from God, provides protection, discernment, and guidance, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with integrity and faithfulness. Let us, therefore, pursue wisdom with all diligence, recognizing that in doing so, we are walking in the paths of righteousness that lead to life.