Wisdom That Wins Outsiders

Introduction

Someone once said, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.”

That’s a sobering thought. The way we speak, work, and react when we are wronged often becomes the first sermon unbelievers hear.

That is why Paul urges, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.”

Background of the Letter

Paul wrote this letter to the young church in Colossae around A.D. 60-62, while he was imprisoned in Rome. The believers were facing confusion - Jewish legalists pressing for strict rituals and Greek philosophers blending mysticism with the gospel.

Even today, culture can creep into the church and masquerade as God’s law.

Paul first calls the church to persistent prayer (Colossians 4:2). Then his words turn practical: how to live wisely among those who do not yet believe.

Colossians 4:5-6

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.

1. Walk in Wisdom

Paul advises believers to walk in wisdom. He is not speaking of academic degrees or cleverness.

You can be highly educated and still make foolish choices; you can be uneducated and yet live with true wisdom.

Biblical wisdom is seeing life the way God sees it and living accordingly - allowing God’s Word to guide every decision.

Think of it this way:

• At every crossroads ask, “What would please God?” not simply “What do I feel like doing?”

• It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about obeying what you already know is right.

Paul has in mind those who are “outside”, people who don’t yet follow Christ: neighbours, co-workers, relatives, friends.

They watch how we live more than how we preach.

When they see patience under pressure, forgiveness when wronged, or fairness in work, they become curious about the God we serve.

In the marketplace: You notice a cashier gives you too much change. Instead of staying silent, you return it honestly. Your integrity makes others curious about the God who shapes your actions.

In the workplace: A colleague makes a mistake that affects your project. Instead of blaming them harshly, you guide them kindly and fairly. Others notice your fairness and question the source of your character.

2. Redeeming the Time

The Greek phrase literally means “buying up the opportunity,” like a shopper who spots a rare bargain and quickly grabs it before it’s gone.

Why does time need redeeming?

• Time is short. Each day is a gift we cannot get back.

• Opportunities don’t last forever. A neighbour may move, a friend’s heart may be open for a brief season.

Paul says: don’t drift; be alert and intentional.

We cannot stop the clock or reclaim lost hours, but we can seize the moments God gives - especially to show Christ’s love or share the gospel.

I once heard the story of a man of God who was staying in a hotel. Late that night, a smiling waiter came to his room to serve some drinks. As he set them down, the Holy Spirit nudged the preacher’s heart: “Share the gospel with him.” But the man hesitated. The waiter looked cheerful, and he didn’t know how to begin the conversation. A little later, the same waiter returned to collect the glasses. Again the Spirit urged him to speak, but once more he kept quiet, thinking, “Maybe it’s too late tonight. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” The next morning, the preacher awoke to unusual commotion in the hotel. When he asked what had happened, he was told the devastating news - the very waiter who had served him the night before had taken his own life. The man of God was crushed. He realized he had missed a God-given opportunity. One moment of obedience might have saved a soul for eternity.

People these days waste hours scrolling aimlessly on a phone or chasing trivial things. But Paul calls us to invest our time for eternity before the chance passes.

3. Let Your Speech Be With Grace

Grace is kindness we are not required to show but choose to give.

Paul urges that our words be soaked in that grace:

• Speak in ways that reflect God’s patience and love.

• Offer more gentleness than the person “deserves.”

• Lift people up rather than tear them down.

That doesn’t mean we stay silent or agree with everything, even when it’s wrong. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth but always with the spirit of love. Ephesians 4:15 says it beautifully: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”