{4} Walk {b} in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the {c} time.

(4) In all parts of our life, we ought to have good consideration even of those who are outside of the Church.

(b) Advisedly and cautiously.

(c) Seek occasion to win them, even though you lose something of your own by it.

People's New Testament

4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without. Let your conduct be prudent and sagacious. Do not provoke persecution.

Redeeming. Buying by giving up your own pleasure.

Redeeming the time. Using every opportunity and seeking time to do them good.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

5. (See on [2431]Eph 5:15, 16.)

in wisdom-practical Christian prudence.

them . without-Those not in the Christian brotherhood (1Co 5:12; 1Th 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion.

redeeming the time-The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and buying off from worldly vanities the opportunity, whenever it is afforded you, of good to yourselves and others. "Forestall the opportunity, that is, to buy up an article out of the market, so as to make the largest profit from it" [Conybeare and Howson].

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:2-6 No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.