15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
The section extending from 5:15 through 6:9 sets forth walking in wisdom. Verses 15 through 21 give admonitions about a wise walk that allows the Spirit to control the believer.
See
The word “see” carries the idea of take heed. The thought is to be on the alert for something. What Paul was about to say was important and urgent. Paul said in effect, “Make sure that you take heed to what I am about to say.”
then
“Then” harks back to verses 8 through 14, where believers are challenged to walk in the light and repudiate how they lived as non-Christians. Since the standard for the Christian is to walk in fellowship with the Lord, there is an admonition that must be taken into consideration.
that you walk circumspectly,
This is the fifth and last time the word “walk” occurs in Ephesians (Eph 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). We are to order our lives as a course of life.
“Circumspectly” carries the idea of carefully. The Christian life is to be lived in a circumspect way. This word was used in secular Greek for a person walking across a stream by stepping carefully on rocks so as not to slip into the water.
not as fools
God characterizes Christians who do not take heed to spiritual dangers as “fools.” “Fools” are those who have not been enlightened by God’s Word.
but as wise,
“Wise” Christians are alert to what God teaches about spiritual booby traps and about how to live the Christian life. A wise person looks at life like God looks at life. It would be wise to snatch up every opportunity that God affords.
It is not enough to walk in love (v. 2) and in the light (v. 8). It is important to walk in wisdom as well. Wisdom is the correct use of knowledge; it has to do with application of principle.
PRINCIPLE:
Spirituality requires alertness to dangers and opportunities.
APPLICATION:
Christians are to live as though they are walking through the devil’s spiritual mine fields. They need to be alert to what is around them. They never know when they will step on a devastating satanic booby-trap. Unwise people drift with the tide. Whatever direction the wind may blow, that is where they go. The genuine Christian walk has definition, direction, and destination. These believers know how to set their sails.
1 Pe 5:8-9, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
