Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Let your {G5216} speech {G3056} be alway {G3842} with {G1722} grace {G5485}, seasoned {G741} with salt {G217}, that ye may know {G1492} how {G4459} ye {G5209} ought {G1163} to answer {G611} every {G1538} man {G1520}.

let your conversation always be gracious and interesting, so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

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."

This verse is a concise but powerful instruction from the Apostle Paul regarding the believer's communication, particularly in how they interact with those outside the Christian faith.

Context

In the preceding verses (Colossians 4:2-4), Paul encourages the Colossian believers to continue in prayer, specifically for open doors for the gospel and for him to speak the mystery of Christ clearly. Following this, Colossians 4:5 exhorts them to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Verse 6 directly flows from this, detailing *how* their speech, as part of their wise conduct, should be characterized when engaging with others, both inside and outside the church.

Key Themes

  • Gracious Speech: The primary characteristic commanded is "grace" (*charis* in Greek). This implies kindness, favor, pleasantness, and charm in communication. It means speaking in a way that is gentle, uplifting, and reflects the grace God has shown us.
  • Seasoned with Salt: This is a rich metaphor. Salt was used for preservation, flavor, and purification. In speech, it suggests communication that is not bland or corrupt, but rather adds value, wisdom, and perhaps a certain sharpness or distinctiveness (like salt preventing decay or making things palatable). It implies speech that is thoughtful, appropriate for the situation, and perhaps even convicting or challenging when necessary, but always within the framework of grace.
  • Knowing How to Answer: The purpose of gracious, seasoned speech is practical: to be prepared to give an appropriate response to anyone. This speaks to being ready to explain one's faith, address questions, or engage in conversation with wisdom and clarity, reflecting Christlikeness in every interaction. This readiness is also emphasized elsewhere, like in 1 Peter 3:15 regarding giving a reason for the hope within us.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "grace" is charis, often associated with God's unmerited favor, but here applied to human communication, suggesting speech that is kind, pleasant, and spiritually beneficial. "Seasoned with salt" translates ērtyménos halí. The use of salt (*hals*) as a metaphor for wisdom, purity, or effectiveness is found in other ancient texts and even in Jesus' teachings (Matthew 5:13). It suggests communication that has flavor, prevents corruption, and is wise. "Answer" comes from apokrinomai, meaning to reply or respond.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to be intentional about *how* they speak. It's not just about *what* is said, but the manner in which it is delivered. Our words should build up, not tear down; they should be kind and gentle, yet also wise and impactful. In a world often filled with harsh or empty communication, Christian speech should stand out as gracious and thoughtful, ready to engage with others effectively and perhaps share the reason for the hope we have.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

  • 1 Peter 3:15

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

  • Ecclesiastes 10:12

    ¶ The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

  • Mark 9:50

    Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

  • Proverbs 15:4

    ¶ A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

  • Proverbs 15:7

    ¶ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.

  • Proverbs 22:17

    ¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
← Back