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.
Cross-References
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Ephesians 4:29 (71 votes)
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 (51 votes)
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 (40 votes)
¶ The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. -
Mark 9:50 (33 votes)
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 (32 votes)
¶ A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit. -
Proverbs 15:7 (25 votes)
¶ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so. -
Proverbs 22:17 (17 votes)
¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
Commentary
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
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.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.