The Best Use of Time

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)

When it comes to people who are not saved and are viewing God’s Church from the outside looking in, there are plenty of false assumptions and lies about Christians to go around. Paul tells us to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. That wisdom is rooted in grace and unity, but it also requires discernment. Sometimes the best use of time is to speak boldly. Sometimes it’s to answer with gentleness. And sometimes, it’s to remain silent altogether.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. He didn’t respond to every accusation or lie spoken against Him. In fact, before Pilate and the rulers, when the stakes were at their highest, He was silent (Matthew 27:14). Silence, in that moment, was the most powerful testimony of all. This reminds us that wisdom is not simply having the right words ready, but knowing when to use them—or when to withhold them.

Our words should always be seasoned with grace, but the Spirit helps us discern when grace looks like a gentle answer, a bold response, or when it looks like quiet restraint. So the next time you feel reviled or falsely accused, pause and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Ask Him: “Do You want me to speak here, or do You want me to stay silent?” Then trust Him to fill your mouth with His words—or to strengthen your resolve in silence.