May 5

“Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16

With the parable of the ten virgins, the contrast between the wise and the foolish was over the matter of readiness. Here a similar contrast is made, for the wise are described as those who buy up the opportunity. The unwise are like the child who imagines that by procrastination he may perhaps avoid the need for obedience. If in fact this policy of doing nothing is successful, then in a sense he will have been wise.

If, however, the command is insisted upon and must ultimately be obeyed, then it is sheer folly to delay. The passage goes on to say that to avoid foolishness we must get clear about God’s will. If our God is an unchanging God with an unalterable purpose of good, then it is our wisdom to give him prompt obedience without wasting unnecessary time.