SEASONED SPEECH
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Co.4:6
It would be interesting to know what sin is most common. Whatever it is, I suspect that disobedience to this command would be in the top ten. We just don’t do well when it comes to controlling the tongue. And the strange thing is that we don’t seem to think it’s a big deal. Many feel at liberty to say whatever they want, and some even brag about doing so – such is the fool.
It’s noteworthy that it was said of Jesus, “All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth” (Luke 4:22). On another occasion it was said, “Never a man spake like this man” (John 7:46).
I’m amazed at the amount of references to our words that are found in the Bible. Several are found in Proverbs. On a positive note they are likened unto refreshing water 10:11), silver (10:20), food (10:21), medicine (12:18), and a tree of life (15:4). Prov.18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” On the negative side James likens the tongue to “fire, a world of iniquity” (Ja.3:6), “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Ja.3:8). For good or bad, words are exceedingly powerful. We ought to take care in what we say and how we say it.
Our text tells us our speech should “be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” “Grace” indicates that our words should be gracious. The phrase “seasoned with salt” suggest that our words should be fresh, tasteful, pure, honest, palatable, savory. Just as food is better when seasoned with salt our words are to be pleasant or appealing rather than offensive.
Why is there such little regard for how our words will affect others? It’s because of a problem within. Our speech reveals what is in our heart (Matt.15:17-19). Notice also that our speech should meet needs – “that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (also see I Pet.3:15). May God help us to say those things that are helpful rather than harmful. Let us say with David “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue! I will keep my mouth with a bridle…” (Ps.39:1).- HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
