Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Redeeming the time (Colossians 4:5) х exagorazomenoi (G1805) ton (G3588) kairon (G2540)] - 'Buying up for yourselves the seasonable time' (whenever it occurs) of good to yourselves and to others. Buying off from the vanities of "them that are without," and of the "unwise" opportunity, each opportunity afforded you for the work of God. Special seasons for good occasionally present themselves, of which believers ought diligently to avail, themselves. This constitutes true "wisdom" (Ephesians 5:15). In a larger sense, the whole season from one's spiritual awakening is to be "redeemed" from vanity for God (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2; 1 Peter 4:2-4). 'Redeem,' 'buy up' (like buyers on the watch for a favourable market time), implies the preciousness of the opportune season: a jewel to be bought at any price. Make it your own, as a master will buy so as to have at command a good servant. Compare Daniel 2:8; Septuagint [The ek (G1537) in the compound verb refers to the time or circumstances out which in each case 'the opportune time' is to be bought (Ellicott).]
Because the days are evil. The days of life are so (Galatians 1:4) morally beset with evil that we should make the most of each opportunity of good while it lasts (Ephesians 6:13; Genesis 47:9; Psalms 49:5; Ecclesiastes 11:2; Ecclesiastes 12:1; John 12:35). There are evil days (in persecution, sickness, etc.) when the Christian is laid by, therefore he needs the more to improve all seasonable times afforded (Amos 5:13). Time generally serves the evil: buy it up for good.