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
So today, I run a parallel for you. It is often helpful to see how others render the scripture. So today I give you two paraphrases of this elegant English Standard Version cited above.
The first is from the paraphrase known as The Passion Translation. It expounds upon and fills out this amazing statement from Paul.
Walk in the wisdom of God as you live before the unbelievers, and make it your duty to make him known. Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith.
Colossians 4:5-6 TPT
One more parallel. This one from one of my favorite paraphrases, written by Eugene Peterson, known as The Message.
Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
Colossians 4:5-6 The Message
Three snapshots to reflect upon. All tell you to be intentional and thoughtful about you Christian walk and speach. Respect the humanness of others, be full of grace, and make your life in Christ shine before those who do not know him.
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