Walking in Wisdom & Speaking with Grace – Colossians 4:5-6 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Laying the Foundation: Living with Purpose in a Watching World
Paul has been urging the Colossians to live out their faith in every area of life. That could be at home, at work, and in their personal character. Now, he shifts the focus to how believers interact with non-Christians.
Our actions and words matter. The world is watching how we live, and Paul challenges us to:
Walk in wisdom—Live in a way that points others to Christ.
Make the best use of time—Be intentional with every opportunity.
Speak with grace—Let your words be full of truth, kindness, and wisdom.
Let’s break this passage down.
1. Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders (v.5)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time."
"Walk in wisdom" (περιπατεῖτε ἐν σοφίᾳ, peripateite en sophia) – This means to live with discernment and intentionality. Our actions should reflect Christ in every interaction with non-believers.
"Toward outsiders" – This refers to those who are not yet in Christ. Paul reminds us that we have a responsibility to live in a way that draws others to the gospel.
"Making the best use of the time" (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν, exagorazomenoi ton kairon) – This means to redeem the time, to seize every opportunity for Christ.
Paul is urging us: Don’t waste time. Every conversation, every encounter, every moment is an opportunity to point people to Jesus.
Reflection:
Are you walking in wisdom in your daily interactions with non-believers?
Are you making the most of every opportunity to share Christ?
2. Speak with Grace, Seasoned with Salt (v.6)
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
"Let your speech always be gracious" (ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι, ho logos hymōn pantote en chariti) – Our words should reflect the grace and kindness of Christ.
"Seasoned with salt" (ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος, halati ērtumenos) – In biblical times, salt was used for:
Preservation – Our words should preserve truth and point to eternal things.
Flavor – Our speech should be engaging, thoughtful, and impactful.
Healing – Words should bring encouragement, not harm.
"So that you may know how you ought to answer each person" – We should be ready to respond with wisdom and truth when people ask about our faith.
Paul is teaching us that our words should be:
Gracious – Free from harshness, pride, or condemnation.
Truthful – Rooted in biblical wisdom.
Thoughtful – Tailored to the person and the situation.
Reflection:
Do your words reflect the grace of Christ, even in difficult conversations?
Are you ready to give an answer when people ask about your faith?
Final Thoughts: Wise Living & Gracious Words
Paul’s instructions remind us that our actions and words are powerful tools for sharing Christ.
👣 Walk wisely—Live in a way that honors Christ and draws others in.
⏳ Make the most of every opportunity. Time is short; use it well.
🧂 Speak with grace and truth. Let your words reflect the love of Jesus.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I living with intentionality, making the most of my time for Christ?
✔️ Do my words reflect the grace and wisdom of Jesus?
✔️ How can I be more thoughtful in my conversations with non-believers?
Tomorrow, we will look at Paul’s final greetings and what they teach us about Christian community.
