“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).
“See then” refers to the immediate context that believers should “walk as children of light” (v. 8) as a bright testimony for Christ before the unbelieving world so that they might receive the way of salvation. To walk as children of light, Paul emphasizes that believers should not live in darkness like the world (vv. 11-13), so that our testimony may shine even more brightly and, by contrast, expose the darkess of the world.
The light of our testimony for Christ may be vast or small. We may light up one neighborhood, one home, one family, or even just as visitors to one hospital room, or our light might have a greater outreach depending on our circumstances in life. The light of our testimony may also be long-lasting or short-lived. It may be limited in time by a short life or a short time after we are saved before our home-going, or then again we may have many years to be a light for Christ, and our light might even continue shining after our home-going by virtue of the legacy we leave.
Faithfulness to be a light to the world that needs the Lord, wherever we are and however long we are here, is what God is most concerned about. It is God’s will that those with His light within them radiate God’s “goodness and righteousness and truth” (v. 9) from the Holy Spirit.
In light of these things, Paul wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly.” The term “walk” portrays our way of life, which unfolds in a daily, step-by-step process. Most often, when we walk, we do so to get somewhere, to reach a destination. The Christian walk also pictures steady progress toward a definite goal. And the goal for our lives and our daily walk is Christ: to know Him and to be more like Him (Phil. 3:10-14).
When Paul says to “walk circumspectly,” the word “circumspectly” means exactly, accurately, diligently, and carefully. The first half of this word—the “circum” in circumspectly—means around. For example, the word “CIRCUMference” refers to the distance around something. The second half of the word—the “spectly” in circumspectly—means to look. Think of the word “SPECtacles” which refers to eyeglasses through which one looks. Putting it together, “circumspectly” means to look around.
The idea is that of walking along a narrow path on the side of a steep mountain. Because a careless step could lead to disaster, every step is taken carefully, accurately, and with undeviating attention to the path. “See then that ye walk circumspectly” is in the present imperative in the original Greek, which means that it is God’s will that we continually walk carefully and pay close attention to how we live.
The believer’s daily walk in this world is one of resolve, honor, and courage. It is full of purpose and focus. We see that in this instruction to walk circumspectly. Walking circumspectly requires several things. First, to walk carefully as a consistent and faithful light before the world, we must rely on the Spirit and His strength by faith (Eph. 3:16), living by the truth of His Word, rightly divided.
To walk circumspectly is to live aware of the dangers around us that we need to navigate with care. The world, the flesh, and the devil are our continual enemies (Eph. 2:2-3). We must walk diligently so that our light does not grow dim through their influence and opposition.
To walk circumspectly further means being watchful for opportunities to honor Christ and make Him known. It means recognizing that God has placed us where we are for a purpose and that He desires to use us in the lives of those around us. As we walk carefully and attentively, we become more aware of the opportunities He provides each day to show His grace and let our light shine before others.
The believer’s walk is to be given careful consideration. It is to be the outgrowth of thought, purpose, and deliberate action. Life is made up of steps, events, and decisions. Walking circumspectly means keeping one’s spiritual eyes open to look around and consider the Lord and His will in each step we take, the situations we face, and the choices we make.
One who walks circumspectly surveys their circumstances and possible consequences before deciding, speaking, or acting. It is like the old saying, “Look before you leap,” which means to consider carefully the possible consequences before acting. Considering the consequences of our behavior in this passage is that believers are to “walk as children of light” before “the children of disobedience,” reproving the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:6-15). We do so in order that our careful, godly conduct might awaken them to their need for the Savior and lead them to the salvation He freely offers to all.