There are many reasons to want to walk in wisdom, and Scripture leads us to seek it in many ways.
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. Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
In Colossians, Paul asked for prayer that God would open a door for him to declare Christ and that He would give Paul the ability to speak it clearly.
Right after that, Paul instructed the Colossians to walk wisely toward outsiders, to make the best use of time. As a follow on, he instructed them to speak graciously.
It’s interesting to note that the reason for behaving this way is so that the Colossians would know how to answer. Given the context, it’s most likely that the reference is to sharing spiritual truths. Of course, this echoes Peter’s statement in 1 Peter 3:15 about always being prepared to give a reason for our hope, but Paul brings in the importance of behavior before outsiders as part of our witness.
Considering the importance of evangelism, this should remind us that we need to take care not to quench the Spirit’s work in reaching others for Christ by being poor representatives of God’s love.
Father, open my eyes to any area where my walk before outsiders may harm the cause of the gospel. May Your Spirit live out through me such that my actions and words point to Jesus.
Exploring Antioch 