“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
Colossians 4:5 begins a brief, two-sentence digression on the subject of relationships with those who are outside the Christian community: “Be wise in the way you act toward those who are outside the Christian faith. Make the most of your opportunities” (GW). This also provides us with an opportunity to discuss the relationship between wisdom and knowledge. This distinction is important because it is possible to be knowledgeable but not very wise.
You see, knowledge relates to the information that we possess on a given subject. Knowledge is also associated with a familiarity, awareness, or perception of the facts. On the other hand, wisdom is the quality that allows us to exercise good judgment and select an appropriate course of action. In short, wisdom is knowing what to do with the facts.
One commentator summarizes these differences with the following insight: “Knowledge is the apprehension of truth; wisdom is its application to life. Knowledge is prudent judgment and wisdom is prudent action. Both are found in Christ (cf. Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 12:8)…” (1)
In the context of Colossians 4:5-6, “knowledge” involves an awareness of those who do not know Christ. “Wisdom” involves the best means of representing Jesus within such relationships. Colossians 4;5 couples these ideas with the concept of “redemption.” To “redeem” in this sense refers to “buying up an opportunity” (2) to effectively represent Christ to others.
In this respect, its important to recognize that time is both a gift and a resource- and the opportunities that are available to us today won’t last forever. We may only have one chance to make a God-honoring impression upon others before that opportunity is lost. In light of this, we are encouraged to redeem the time and prayerfully make the most of our opportunities.
So this passage serves as a reminder of the need to set the right example in our relationships with others. For instance, we may have an opportunity to represent Christ at home, at school, at a place of employment, or as we go about our daily activities. This becomes especially important when we stop to remember that we have no guarantee of tomorrow nor can we change the events of the past. Therefore, today is the day to redeem the time and “Be wise in the way you live around those who are not Christians” (NLT).
(1) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck Bible Knowledge Commentary [note on Colossians 2:2-3]
(2) G1805 exagorazo https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g1805