The word order and usage in the Greek text suggest that "careful" modifies "walk" rather than "be." We could translate the clause "See to it that you walk (live) carefully." Careful living is essential to being wise (skillful) and to pleasing the Lord ( Ephesians 5:10). The wise person is one who views and sees things the way God does.
Paul introduced a new thought with the repetition of "Therefore" and "walk" for the fifth time (cf. Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 4:25; Ephesians 5:1-2; Ephesians 5:7-8). We can walk (live) wisely by letting the Holy Spirit control our lives. [source][source][source]
"For Paul, the Christian faith was not an abstract exercise in theological discourse. Instead it called for a different way to relate to others." [1][source]
Context Summary
Ephesians 5:13-21 - "redeeming The Time"
The earlier verses remind us of Isaiah 60:1-22. Awake, thou Christian soul; arise from the, dust and put on thy beautiful garments! Stand on the mountain-peak of prayer and Christ shall shine on thee as when morning gilds the highest Alps! The child of God must arise from among those who are yet in their graves, dead in trespasses and sins. He can have no complicity or fellowship with such. Is there effort in this, and cost? Christ will more than compensate. He will satisfy.
The opportunities of life are fleeting past; let us buy them up. They are most valuable, because they form the seed plot of eternity. In the other life we shall reap the harvests which we have prepared for here. "Give every flying minute something to keep in store." Chrysostom, as a young man, kept silent for days together to break himself of a bad habit of detraction. But the Apostle's method is better. Make room for the Holy Spirit. Be filled with Him, and He will use heart and lip in the service of praise and thanksgiving. It is as much our duty to be filled with the Spirit as it is not to get drunk. Remember to give thanks always for all things. Whether you like the packing-case or not, you may be sure that the contents are the very best that God could send you. [source]
Chapter Summary: Ephesians 5
1After general exhortations to love; 3to flee sexual immorality; 4and all uncleanness; 7not to converse with the wicked; 15to walk carefully; 18and to be filled with the Spirit; 22he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands; 25and husbands ought to love their wives, 32even as Christ does his church
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:15
Carefully [ακριβως] Aleph B 17 put ακριβως akribōs before πως pōs (how) instead of πως ακριβως pōs akribōs (how exactly ye walk) as the Textus Receptus has it. On ακριβως akribōs (from ακριβης akribēs) see note on Matthew 2:8 and note on Luke 1:3. [source]
Unwise [ασοποι] Old adjective, only here in N.T. [source]
See that ye walk circumspectly [βλέπετε πῶς ἀκριβῶς περιπατεῖτε] Lit., look how exactly ye walk. The best texts place τῶς howafter ἀκριβῶς exactlySo Rev., look carefully how ye walk. Circumspectly is better rendered carefully. It means exactly, accurately, from ἄκρος thefarthest point. See on inquired diligently, Matthew 2:6; and compare Luke 1:3(note); Acts 18:25(note). [source]
Not as unwise, but as wise [] Explanatory of carefully. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:15
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:15
Aleph B 17 put ακριβως akribōs before πως pōs (how) instead of πως ακριβως pōs akribōs (how exactly ye walk) as the Textus Receptus has it. On ακριβως akribōs (from ακριβης akribēs) see note on Matthew 2:8 and note on Luke 1:3. [source]
Old adjective, only here in N.T. [source]
Lit., look how exactly ye walk. The best texts place τῶς howafter ἀκριβῶς exactlySo Rev., look carefully how ye walk. Circumspectly is better rendered carefully. It means exactly, accurately, from ἄκρος thefarthest point. See on inquired diligently, Matthew 2:6; and compare Luke 1:3(note); Acts 18:25(note). [source]
Explanatory of carefully. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:15
Compare Ephesians 5:15, as wise. [source]