15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
15 So watch your step. Use your head. 16 Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 5:15-16
Commentary on Ephesians 5:15-21
(Read Ephesians 5:15-21)
Another remedy against sin, is care, or caution, it being impossible else to maintain purity of heart and life. Time is a talent given us by God, and it is misspent and lost when not employed according to his design. If we have lost our time heretofore, we must double our diligence for the future. Of that time which thousands on a dying bed would gladly redeem at the price of the whole world, how little do men think, and to what trifles they daily sacrifice it! People are very apt to complain of bad times; it were well if that stirred them more to redeem time. Be not unwise. Ignorance of our duty, and neglect of our souls, show the greatest folly. Drunkenness is a sin that never goes alone, but carries men into other evils; it is a sin very provoking to God. The drunkard holds out to his family and to the world the sad spectacle of a sinner hardened beyond what is common, and hastening to perdition. When afflicted or weary, let us not seek to raise our spirits by strong drink, which is hateful and hurtful, and only ends in making sorrows more felt. But by fervent prayer let us seek to be filled with the Spirit, and to avoid whatever may grieve our gracious Comforter. All God's people have reason to sing for joy. Though we are not always singing, we should be always giving thanks; we should never want disposition for this duty, as we never want matter for it, through the whole course of our lives. Always, even in trials and afflictions, and for all things; being satisfied of their loving intent, and good tendency. God keeps believers from sinning against him, and engages them to submit one to another in all he has commanded, to promote his glory, and to fulfil their duties to each other.