Colossians 4:6 - Speaking with Grace Seasoned with Salt. (updated)
Colossians 4:6 - Speaking with Grace Seasoned with Salt.
(updated)
Colossians 4:6 (KJV) Let your speech be alway with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6 (EAV) Let: your speech at all times be gracious
(pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may
never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a
question to you].
CONTEXT
Colossians 4:1-6: Christian Graces. [Remnant SOP SB]
Colossians 4:5-8: Witnessing. The unsaved are outside the family
of God, and it is our task to bring them in. Effective witness
involves walking wisely, being alert to every opportunity, and being
careful in what we say and how we say it (1 Pet. 3:15-17). [Chapter by
Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe]
WORD STUDY
Grace: what affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm,
loveliness: [Thayer's Greek Lexicon]
Grace: especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its
reflection in the life; [Strong's Dictionary]
COMMENTARY APPLICATION
Salt renders food palatable. Here it is that which makes speech
attractive, stimulating, and agreeable to listen to.... When the Christian
opens his mouth, pleasant, helpful, edifying words should flow forth.
[SDA Bible Commentary]
"Seasoned with salt" means that what we say should be "tasty"
and should encourage further dialogue. [Life Application SB]
The salt of holiness must always flavor our speech. Old
Testament Jews used salt in their sacrifices, symbolizing purity and the
preservation of that which is good. The Greeks called salt
charitas--grace--because it gave flavor to things. Our speech must not be corrupt (Eph.
4:29); salt (God's grace) holds back corruption. A thoughtless word of
criticism, a questionable remark, an angry word--any of these could tear
down in a minute whatever Christian testimony others have tried to
build up. [Wiersbe Expository Outlines]
Salt is a good metaphor for Christian conversation and behavior.
Salt improves taste; in the same way, what believers say and do
should leave a "good taste" for others. Salt also preserves food;
Christians should influence others for eternity with their grace-filled
lives. Courteous, honest and compassionate, they should have the fruit
of the Spirit evident within them. [Quest SB]
The words of the Christian should carry with them the power and
influence of Heaven. [SDA Bible Commentary]
When Christ and heaven are the theme of contemplation, the
conversation will give evidence of the fact. CT443
No one ever becomes a Christian by just watching how a Christian
lives. An observer might think the Christian is earning his way to
heaven by trying to be good. How could anyone ever guess how to become
a Christian? Debating if what we say or how we live is more
important in witnessing is like asking which leg is more important for
walking. In this study Paul shows that witnessing is an interplay between
prayer, living and speaking. His closing Greetings illustrate many ways
Christians help and encourage each other. [Quiet Time SB]
Disciplined thought and planning should go into
evangelism.... We must think about evangelism whenever we talk with
outsiders--wisely making the most of every opportunity....
Whether with someone you're around frequently or with someone
you've met for the first time, the best way I've found to turn the
conversation toward spiritual matters is to ask the person how you can pray
for him or her. Although it's almost routine to the Christian, most
non-Christians don't know of anyone who is praying for them. I've discovered
that unbelievers are often deeply moved by this unusual expression of
concern....
But the point in all these possibilities is that you will
have to discipline yourself to bring them about. They won't just
happen. You'll have to discipline yourself to ask your neighbors how you
can pray for them or when you can share a meal with them. You'll
have to discipline yourself to get with your coworkers during
off-hours. Many such opportunities for evangelism will never take place if
you wait for them to occur spontaneously. The world, the flesh, and
the Devil will do their best to see to that. You, however, backed by
the invincible power of the Holy Spirit, can make sure that these
enemies of the gospel do not win. (Spiritual Disciplines of the
Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney) [Inspirational SB]
The Christian must behave himself with wisdom and with tact
towards those who are outside the Church. He must of necessity be a
missionary; but he must know when and when not to speak to others about his
religion and theirs. He must never give the impression of superiority and
of censorious criticism. Few people have ever been argued into
Christianity. [Barclay Commentary]
"Salt" suggests that one should allow the Holy Spirit to convict
others of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come (cf. John 16:8).
[Believer's SB]
Salt creates thirst, or makes one thirsty. Christ called us The
SALT of the earth; may our speech and mannerism create thirst for the
Saviour in whom we move and have our being. [Cecil David]
MINI-VIDEO DEVOTIONAL ON THIS PASSAGE BY PASTOR SHAWN BOONSTRA:
http://www.itiswritten.com/television#episodes/2096
EXCELLENT BIBLE PROPHECY SERIES BY DR RON CLOUZET CURRENTLY LIVE:
Prophecies Decoded Sermon Series:
http://www.propheciesdecoded.com
OTHER LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Grace Notes: http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
More Spiritual Resources: http://www.aBible.com
