Colossians 4:6
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt - Let it be such as has a tendency to oppose and preserve from the corruption of sin. The rabbins say: "He who, in prayer, omits any word, should begin again at the beginning; for he who does not is like boiled pottage, in which there is no salt." Berachoth, fol. 34, 1. Let all your conversation be such as may tend to exemplify and recommend Christianity; let it not only be holy, but wise, gracious, and intelligent. A harsh method of proposing or defending the doctrines of Christianity only serves to repel men from those doctrines, and from the way of salvation. Salt, from its use in preserving food from corruption, and rendering it both savoury and wholesome, has always been made the emblem of wisdom. The word has been also used to express in composition or conversation what is terse, comprehensive, useful, elegant, and impressive. The term Attic salt has been used to express some of the principal beauties of the Greek tongue; of such beauties the Gospel of Christ has an endless store. See on Mat 5:13 (note), and Mar 9:50 (note). How ye ought to answer every man - That your discourse may be so judiciously managed, that ye may discern how to treat the prejudices and meet the objections both of Jews and Gentiles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
with grace--Greek, "IN grace" as its element (Col 3:16; Eph 4:29). Contrast the case of those "of the world" who "therefore speak of the world" (Jo1 4:5). Even the smallest leaf of the believer should be full of the sap of the Holy Spirit (Jer 17:7-8). His conversation should be cheerful without levity, serious without gloom. Compare Luk 4:22; Joh 7:46, as to Jesus' speech. seasoned with salt--that is, the savor of fresh and lively spiritual wisdom and earnestness, excluding all "corrupt communication," and also tasteless insipidity (Mat 5:13; Mar 9:50; Eph 4:29). Compare all the sacrifices seasoned with salt (Lev 2:13). Not far from Colosse, in Phrygia, there was a salt lake, which gives to the image here the more appropriateness. how ye ought to answer every man-- (Pe1 3:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let your speech be always with grace,.... "In grace, or concerning grace": let grace be the subject matter of your speech and conversation. When saints meet together they should converse with each other about the work of grace upon their souls, how it was begun, and how it has been carried on, and in what case it now is; they should talk of the great things and wonders of grace, which God has done for them, which would be both comfortable and edifying to them, and make for the glory of the grace of God; and also, they should confer together about the doctrines of grace, and so instruct, establish, and build up one another in them; and at least their conversation should always turn on things graceful and acceptable, such as may minister grace unto the hearer, and be useful and edifying; wherefore all obscene words, unchaste expressions, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting, ought not to be used. Or this may regard the manner of the speech, and language of the saints; it should be in the exercise of grace; it should be in truth, faithfulness, and sincerity, without lying, dissimulation, and flattery; it should be in consistence with the grace of love, therefore evil should not be spoken one of another; nor should there be whisperings, backbitings, or anything said that is injurious to the character, credit, and reputation of another; for this is contrary to love, and so not with grace: and whatever is said should be spoken in the fear of God; the reason why so many evil things proceed out of the mouths of men is, because the fear of God is not before their eyes. Moreover, the speech of the saints ought to be in a graceful way, with a cheerful and pleasant countenance, in an affable and courteous manner, and not after a morose, churlish, and ill natured fashion: and this should be "alway" the case; not that they should be always talking, for there is a time to keep silence, as well as a time to speak; but the sense is, that when they do speak, it should be both graceful things, and in a graceful manner; so that there is never any room and place for vain discourse, unprofitable talk, and idle words, which must all be accounted for in the day of judgment. Seasoned with salt. The Syriac version adds, "as" and reads it, "as if it was seasoned with salt": grace being that to speech, as salt is to meat; as salt makes meat savoury and agreeable to the palate, so grace, prudence, and holiness, which may be meant by salt, see Mar 9:50, make discourse savoury, pleasant, and acceptable to a spiritual man, who savours the things that be of God, as all such things are that relate to the grace of God, the work or doctrines of it; and as salt preserves flesh from putrefaction and corruption, so when grace goes along with speech, it makes it pure and incorrupt, sound speech which cannot be condemned: and the apostle's view is, in this exhortation, that nothing unsavoury and corrupt proceed out of the mouths of believers; see Eph 4:29, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. The Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "and know ye how", &c. and make it to be a fresh exhortation to the saints to be concerned for such a share of spiritual knowledge, that they may be able to give a proper and pertinent answer, with meekness and fear, to such as shall ask a reason of the hope that is in them; and to make suitable returns to persons according to their age, sex, capacities, and circumstances; for everyone is not to be answered alike, nor the same man under different circumstances; a fool is sometimes to be answered according to his folly, and sometimes not; and this seems to be a better reading than ours, which makes this to be the end of gracious, savoury, and incorrupt speech; whereas knowledge is not acquired by speaking, but ought to go before it; though indeed a person that uses himself to speaking with prudence, purity, and grace, is at all times ready to give an agreeable answer, in a graceful and acceptable manner, to everyone.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 attractive (literally seasoned with salt): Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative (see Matt 5:13). Paul might be encouraging Christians to speak to unbelievers in words that are well chosen and winsome. The rabbis occasionally referred to wisdom as salt, so Paul might also be exhorting Christians to speak wisely.
Colossians 4:6
Prayerful Speech and Actions
5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Tame Your Tongue
By David Wilkerson7.1K49:33PRO 18:21MAT 7:21MAT 12:341CO 13:1EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either good or evil. The preacher shares his personal conviction to be cautious with his words and to examine his own heart for any root of jealousy, envy, or covetousness. He also references the book of James, specifically James 3:11, which warns against the inconsistency of a fountain producing both sweet and bitter water. The sermon concludes with a call to control and tame the tongue, recognizing that every word spoken will be accounted for before the Lord.
Building Up My Brother's House
By Carter Conlon4.0K1:02:38EdificationMAT 6:33JHN 16:13ACT 10:15COL 4:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of not calling anything that God has cleansed common or unclean. He shares that he has been convicted by the Holy Spirit about the responsibility of every Christian to live in right relationship with God. The preacher then references a passage in Genesis where God curses Cain for killing Abel, using the imagery of changing someone's appearance. He goes on to explain that true believers in Jesus Christ are forgiven of all their sins and are seen as righteous by God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of actively participating in the work of God and being part of the body of Christ.
The Foremost Proof of Holiness
By Keith Daniel2.7K1:01:23HolinessPRO 18:21PRO 21:23ISA 55:11MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:2In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. The preacher also highlights the significance of controlling one's words and the potential harm that can come from an unruly tongue. He shares a personal story of a man whose wife's bitter and venomous words have caused great pain and destruction in their relationship. The sermon encourages listeners to seek God's guidance in controlling their speech and to understand the power of words in shaping their testimonies and relationships.
The Do's and Don'ts of Witnessing to Cults
By Walter Martin2.3K57:03CultsMAT 6:33ACT 16:312CO 10:5EPH 6:10COL 4:62TI 2:151PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having Christ enthroned in our hearts and lives before defending the Christian Gospel. He shares a personal story of a young boy who was transformed by Christ and became a witness for Him. The speaker also highlights the need to prioritize winning souls over winning arguments, showing love and compassion to others. He advises against trying to impress people with biblical knowledge and instead encourages understanding their mindset in order to effectively communicate.
Building Communication Skills
By William MacDonald2.2K41:42Communication1CO 6:4EPH 4:28EPH 4:32COL 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love, as taught in Ephesians 4:15. He highlights the balanced approach of Jesus, who spoke the truth with gracious words. The speaker encourages believers to make spiritual applications from the Word of God and to avoid trivial conversations. He also shares an illustration of a conversation that lacked substance, emphasizing the need to focus on meaningful topics. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of building communication skills rooted in truth and love.
(Prophecy) Prophecy in the Old Testament
By Zac Poonen2.1K56:59JDG 21:251SA 3:1MAT 6:33COL 4:6In this sermon, the speaker warns against false prophets who take advantage of people by claiming to have private prophecies for them. He emphasizes the need to be cautious and discerning when it comes to these individuals, as they may be seeking money, sex, or power. The speaker highlights that this is not a new phenomenon and references the Old Testament as evidence. He also discusses the different roles and characteristics of prophets, including being a herald, a spokesman of God, a watchman, and a shepherd. The sermon concludes with the message of repentance, drawing inspiration from the ministry of John the Baptist.
04 Building Fellowship as Husband & Wife
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:07GEN 3:9JOB 1:5PSA 133:1PRO 15:4PRO 18:21EPH 4:32COL 4:6JAS 3:21PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's order in earthly families as a foundation for building the church. It contrasts the focus on family in the New Testament with the lack of emphasis in the Old Testament, highlighting the significance of relationships within the family unit. The message encourages acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and fostering fellowship between spouses and children, with a focus on speaking graciously and building a home filled with love and unity.
7 Things to Do Always
By Zac Poonen2.1K58:01GEN 3:6MAT 6:332CO 6:4PHP 4:4COL 4:61TH 5:17HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to have a genuine and costly service for God. He points out that many people have a mindset of wanting to get as much as possible for free, but this leads to spiritual poverty. The speaker also highlights the importance of prayer, stating that Scripture instructs us to pray always, rather than specifying a certain amount of time to pray each day. Additionally, the speaker encourages believers to rejoice always, even in difficult circumstances, and to speak with grace and seasoned with salt in their interactions with loved ones.
Prophecy in the Old Testament
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:37Prophecy1SA 3:191SA 9:6MAT 6:33ACT 2:17COL 4:62TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher warns the audience about false prophets who are only interested in personal gain. He emphasizes the importance of being cautious and discerning when it comes to prophets who may be seeking money, sex, or power. The preacher highlights that this is not a new issue and references the Old Testament as evidence. He encourages the audience to rely on God's word for guidance and protection. Additionally, the preacher discusses the concept of giving gifts to prophets and challenges the idea that money is necessary to approach a prophet. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of prophesying in a way that speaks directly to people's hearts and encourages all believers to prophesy in their daily lives.
The Holy Spirit - Part 6
By Keith Daniel1.2K09:33PRO 15:1PRO 25:11EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in sharing the message of God, highlighting the need to avoid offending others and to wait for God's guidance before speaking about sin and judgment. It shares a personal story of a challenging child and the lesson of patience and maturity in dealing with difficult situations. The speaker stresses the value of being a gentleman or gentlewoman in representing Christ, avoiding unnecessary offense and relying on God's wisdom for effective communication.
The Gift of Revival
By Bill McLeod89148:38RevivalPSA 116:11ISA 61:1ROM 12:11CO 1:7EPH 4:26EPH 4:29COL 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using speech that is edifying and gracious, as it can minister grace to the ears of listeners. He encourages believers to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask about their hope, with meekness and fear. The preacher also emphasizes the need for a clean heart and mouth, urging believers to refrain from stealing in any form, including relying on unemployment without seeking employment. He highlights the urgency of sharing the gospel with others, using the example of a group of believers in Detroit who experienced tremendous growth through prayer and soul-winning. The sermon concludes with a reminder to put away lying and to speak truthfully with one's neighbor.
The Ministry of Restoration - Part 2
By Dick Hussey89000:00EZR 7:14EZR 7:28JER 31:9JER 31:33ACT 4:31ACT 4:33COL 4:6In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal story from his time in the Argentine army. He reflects on the hollowness of empty words and expresses a desire for the Word of God to bring forth reality in our lives. The preacher then focuses on three words from different verses: oven, pan, and frying pan, to illustrate the idea of variety in God's provision. He emphasizes that while there is variety, God does things His own way. The sermon concludes with a reference to Acts 4:31, where the disciples prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to boldness in speaking the word of God and unity among believers.
Keys to Effective Conversation
By William MacDonald75933:09JHN 4:7EPH 4:29COL 4:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea of having bigger eyes in heaven. He emphasizes the importance of planting seeds in people's minds and provoking their will. The speaker shares a story about forming judgments without all the facts and highlights the wisdom of listening before making conclusions. The sermon then transitions to discussing effective conversation skills, including learning from the perfection of Jesus and involving strangers or quiet individuals in conversations. The speaker encourages listeners to appreciate the interesting stories of aged Christians and to be willing to listen to them.
A Spirit Controlled Tongue
By Zac Poonen73810:38PRO 15:4PRO 18:21MAT 12:36JHN 8:44ACT 2:4EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:26JAS 3:3This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling one's tongue in demonstrating true spirituality and Christianity. It highlights how the tongue serves as a powerful indicator of spiritual health and the need for the Holy Spirit to enable believers to speak graciously. The message warns against the destructive nature of untamed speech and encourages surrendering to the Holy Spirit for transformation. It underscores the truth that life and death are in the power of the tongue, urging listeners to choose words that bring life and reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.
Taming the Untamable Tongue
By Shane Idleman53137:32PSA 19:14PRO 15:1PRO 18:21PRO 21:23MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:1This sermon focuses on the importance of taming the tongue, highlighting the power of words to bring life or destruction, the need for self-discipline and maturity in controlling speech, and the wisdom from above that leads to peace, gentleness, and willingness to yield. The message emphasizes the impact of the tongue on relationships, leadership, and spiritual maturity, urging listeners to align their words with God's truth and seek purity in speech.
With Christ We Can Do Everything
By Zac Poonen50342:221SA 10:6MAL 2:15EPH 4:31EPH 5:18EPH 5:20EPH 6:4PHP 4:4PHP 4:13COL 4:6This sermon emphasizes two important lessons for Christians: the need to recognize that without Christ, we can do nothing of eternal value, and the assurance that with Christ, we can accomplish everything God has planned for our lives. It challenges believers to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God, transform relationships, and fulfill God's purposes, even in seemingly impossible situations.
Letting the Truth Slip
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Pursuit of TruthSpiritual VigilancePRO 2:3PRO 18:21MAT 4:4MAT 6:33MAT 12:36LUK 18:1EPH 5:4COL 4:6HEB 3:1HEB 10:25Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of diligently seeking and holding onto the truth of God, warning that it can easily slip away if not earnestly guarded. He illustrates how individuals can gradually neglect the truths they once cherished, leading to spiritual decline and loss of faith. Brengle encourages believers to actively pursue truth through prayer, meditation, and constant engagement with Scripture, likening this pursuit to digging for hidden treasure. He reminds the congregation that maintaining the truth requires effort, vigilance, and a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a return to the foundational truths of faith to restore spiritual vitality.
Epistle 178
By George Fox0Unity in the SpiritFaithfulness to TruthMAT 18:15LUK 1:33JHN 8:321CO 9:121CO 12:13GAL 4:29EPH 4:5COL 4:61TH 5:19HEB 6:4HEB 12:91PE 1:221JN 5:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of being partakers of God's power and the heavenly gift, which fosters unity, peace, and a kingdom without end. He warns against the division caused by those who possess the words of scripture but lack the spirit and power that originally inspired them. Fox encourages believers to remain faithful, obedient to the truth, and to spread it widely, addressing the witness of God in all people. He stresses the necessity of coming together in one body through the baptism of the Spirit, and the importance of resolving conflicts privately to maintain the integrity of the truth. Ultimately, he calls for wisdom that preserves unity and peace among believers.
Thoughtfulness and Tact
By J.R. Miller0ThoughtfulnessTactPRO 15:1MAT 5:16ROM 12:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:15PHP 2:4COL 4:6JAS 1:191PE 3:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of thoughtfulness and tact in our interactions, illustrating how a kind word or action at the right moment can profoundly impact others. He contrasts those who, despite good intentions, fail to be effective due to a lack of tact, often causing more harm than good. Miller highlights that true tact is rooted in love and understanding, as exemplified by Christ, who always spoke the truth with gentleness and consideration. He argues that tact is essential for effective ministry and relationships, as it fosters goodwill and opens hearts to the message of Christ. Ultimately, Miller calls for a cultivation of this gift, which can be developed through a heart filled with Christ's love.
Preach It Practically
By Arthur Vess0PRO 15:21CO 2:1COL 4:61PE 4:11Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of simplicity in preaching, urging preachers to convey profound truths in straightforward language that all can grasp. He highlights the need to glorify God alone and not boast in personal knowledge or wisdom. Vess encourages humility and a focus on practical, understandable messages that uplift and edify listeners.
Epistle 217
By George Fox0EXO 34:24ISA 11:2ISA 59:8ISA 63:10DAN 4:3JHN 4:24JHN 8:44ROM 8:26ROM 14:13ROM 14:171CO 15:58EPH 4:16EPH 4:30PHP 2:1COL 2:23COL 4:61TH 5:192TI 3:16HEB 2:14HEB 3:5HEB 10:20HEB 12:91JN 5:9REV 3:11George Fox preaches about living in the power of God, which brings unity, peace, and joy, and overcomes strife and the works of the devil. He emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the truth, answering it in every person, and maintaining fellowship in the spirit of God. Fox encourages believers to pray, praise, and glorify God in the spirit of wisdom, avoiding actions that grieve or quench the spirit of God. He urges them to be led by the spirit, keep their fellowship with God, and preserve their meetings in the spirit against worldly influences.
Epistle 267
By George Fox0Unity in the ChurchLove and Grace in MinistryMAT 18:15JHN 12:361CO 13:71CO 14:322CO 5:18GAL 4:28EPH 4:16COL 4:61TH 5:51PE 4:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers who are children of the light. He urges ministers not to judge one another in public meetings, as this creates confusion and harms the congregation. Instead, he advocates for patience and private communication to resolve issues, reflecting the spirit of order and humility. Fox highlights that true ministry should be rooted in grace and love, edifying the body of Christ and maintaining unity. He calls on all to recognize the divine presence in each other and to minister accordingly, fostering a spirit of fellowship and truth.
Let Us Do What the Prophet Says
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PSA 141:3PRO 10:19PRO 18:21COL 4:6JAS 1:19St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of practicing silence and guarding our speech to avoid sin, even refraining from good speech when necessary. He highlights the power of the tongue to bring either life or death, urging disciples to be silent and listen, reserving speech for holy and edifying conversations. St. Benedict encourages humility and reverence when speaking to superiors, condemning coarse jests and idle words, and prohibiting disciples from engaging in such conversations.
The Sweetness of the Lips Increaseth Learning
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual MaturityThe Power of WordsPRO 18:21MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound impact of words in the Christian life, noting that while actions are significant, the words we speak are equally important. He references James 3:2, highlighting that controlling our speech is a mark of spiritual maturity and a test of victory. Simpson warns that the tongue can be destructive, and true Christians must strive for righteousness in both actions and words, as they are accountable for what they say. He paints a vivid picture of our words being recorded for eternal judgment, urging believers to speak with an awareness of God's presence. Ultimately, he calls for a conscious effort to align our speech with our faith, knowing we will meet our words again in the future.
Translating Biblical Truth Into the Language of the Pew
By A.W. Tozer0Accessibility of the GospelSimplicity in TeachingPRO 4:7MAT 18:31CO 2:1COL 4:62TI 2:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of communicating biblical truths in a simple and clear manner, contrasting the straightforward language of historical figures like Moses and Jesus with the complex jargon used by modern evangelical-rationalists. He argues that while these contemporary teachers may be knowledgeable, their academic language creates a barrier for the average believer, making it difficult for them to grasp essential doctrines. Tozer suggests that this disconnect may ultimately serve a purpose, allowing time for deeper understanding to develop among congregants. He advocates for a return to simplicity in teaching, ensuring that the message of the Gospel remains accessible to all.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt - Let it be such as has a tendency to oppose and preserve from the corruption of sin. The rabbins say: "He who, in prayer, omits any word, should begin again at the beginning; for he who does not is like boiled pottage, in which there is no salt." Berachoth, fol. 34, 1. Let all your conversation be such as may tend to exemplify and recommend Christianity; let it not only be holy, but wise, gracious, and intelligent. A harsh method of proposing or defending the doctrines of Christianity only serves to repel men from those doctrines, and from the way of salvation. Salt, from its use in preserving food from corruption, and rendering it both savoury and wholesome, has always been made the emblem of wisdom. The word has been also used to express in composition or conversation what is terse, comprehensive, useful, elegant, and impressive. The term Attic salt has been used to express some of the principal beauties of the Greek tongue; of such beauties the Gospel of Christ has an endless store. See on Mat 5:13 (note), and Mar 9:50 (note). How ye ought to answer every man - That your discourse may be so judiciously managed, that ye may discern how to treat the prejudices and meet the objections both of Jews and Gentiles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
with grace--Greek, "IN grace" as its element (Col 3:16; Eph 4:29). Contrast the case of those "of the world" who "therefore speak of the world" (Jo1 4:5). Even the smallest leaf of the believer should be full of the sap of the Holy Spirit (Jer 17:7-8). His conversation should be cheerful without levity, serious without gloom. Compare Luk 4:22; Joh 7:46, as to Jesus' speech. seasoned with salt--that is, the savor of fresh and lively spiritual wisdom and earnestness, excluding all "corrupt communication," and also tasteless insipidity (Mat 5:13; Mar 9:50; Eph 4:29). Compare all the sacrifices seasoned with salt (Lev 2:13). Not far from Colosse, in Phrygia, there was a salt lake, which gives to the image here the more appropriateness. how ye ought to answer every man-- (Pe1 3:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let your speech be always with grace,.... "In grace, or concerning grace": let grace be the subject matter of your speech and conversation. When saints meet together they should converse with each other about the work of grace upon their souls, how it was begun, and how it has been carried on, and in what case it now is; they should talk of the great things and wonders of grace, which God has done for them, which would be both comfortable and edifying to them, and make for the glory of the grace of God; and also, they should confer together about the doctrines of grace, and so instruct, establish, and build up one another in them; and at least their conversation should always turn on things graceful and acceptable, such as may minister grace unto the hearer, and be useful and edifying; wherefore all obscene words, unchaste expressions, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting, ought not to be used. Or this may regard the manner of the speech, and language of the saints; it should be in the exercise of grace; it should be in truth, faithfulness, and sincerity, without lying, dissimulation, and flattery; it should be in consistence with the grace of love, therefore evil should not be spoken one of another; nor should there be whisperings, backbitings, or anything said that is injurious to the character, credit, and reputation of another; for this is contrary to love, and so not with grace: and whatever is said should be spoken in the fear of God; the reason why so many evil things proceed out of the mouths of men is, because the fear of God is not before their eyes. Moreover, the speech of the saints ought to be in a graceful way, with a cheerful and pleasant countenance, in an affable and courteous manner, and not after a morose, churlish, and ill natured fashion: and this should be "alway" the case; not that they should be always talking, for there is a time to keep silence, as well as a time to speak; but the sense is, that when they do speak, it should be both graceful things, and in a graceful manner; so that there is never any room and place for vain discourse, unprofitable talk, and idle words, which must all be accounted for in the day of judgment. Seasoned with salt. The Syriac version adds, "as" and reads it, "as if it was seasoned with salt": grace being that to speech, as salt is to meat; as salt makes meat savoury and agreeable to the palate, so grace, prudence, and holiness, which may be meant by salt, see Mar 9:50, make discourse savoury, pleasant, and acceptable to a spiritual man, who savours the things that be of God, as all such things are that relate to the grace of God, the work or doctrines of it; and as salt preserves flesh from putrefaction and corruption, so when grace goes along with speech, it makes it pure and incorrupt, sound speech which cannot be condemned: and the apostle's view is, in this exhortation, that nothing unsavoury and corrupt proceed out of the mouths of believers; see Eph 4:29, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. The Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "and know ye how", &c. and make it to be a fresh exhortation to the saints to be concerned for such a share of spiritual knowledge, that they may be able to give a proper and pertinent answer, with meekness and fear, to such as shall ask a reason of the hope that is in them; and to make suitable returns to persons according to their age, sex, capacities, and circumstances; for everyone is not to be answered alike, nor the same man under different circumstances; a fool is sometimes to be answered according to his folly, and sometimes not; and this seems to be a better reading than ours, which makes this to be the end of gracious, savoury, and incorrupt speech; whereas knowledge is not acquired by speaking, but ought to go before it; though indeed a person that uses himself to speaking with prudence, purity, and grace, is at all times ready to give an agreeable answer, in a graceful and acceptable manner, to everyone.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 attractive (literally seasoned with salt): Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative (see Matt 5:13). Paul might be encouraging Christians to speak to unbelievers in words that are well chosen and winsome. The rabbis occasionally referred to wisdom as salt, so Paul might also be exhorting Christians to speak wisely.