[Let your conversation be]…seasoned with salt …
Summary: “Seasoned with salt” is a phrase that sounds interesting but lacks a connection with our modern world. Taking a look at the history of salt in biblical times might help us understand better what Paul meant.
Let’s begin this meditation with a question asked by Job many thousands of years ago:
“Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” (Job 6:6, KJV) He goes on to say, “I refuse to touch it; such food makes me ill.”
I don’t blame him! Some foods need salt. But Paul is talking about conversation, not food. Is he suggesting that our conversation should be “flavorful?”
Maybe.
Today, salt is cheap and easy to come by. In ancient times, before mass production methods and cheap transportation, salt was rare and costly.
Salt was so valuable that it may have been used as money. A Roman soldier who earned his pay was considered “worth his salt.” Even today, the Latin word for salt, “salarium,” is the root word for “salary.”
Let’s look at some more aspects of salt.
Not only was it hard to come by, but it was (and is) very important. In addition to adding flavor to food, salt was used for medicinal reasons and food preservation.
As a cleansing agent, it was used for newborn babies (Ezekiel 16:4) and fighting infection (think — gargling with salt water!). As a preservative in a world without refrigeration, it made it possible to keep fish and meat edible.
Salt is essential for life. Without salt, our body begins to shut down. A complete absence of salt causes death.
Because of its value, its healing properties, and its ability to preserve, salt was a symbol of binding covenants. We see this in the Bible when salt is used in temple sacrifices. The instructions given to the Levitical priesthood included this:
“Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” (Leviticus 2:13)
So, what does all this have to do with conversation?
Salt has value. Perhaps our words should have value, too (Matthew 6:7)
Salt is cleansing. Could this be a reference to our choice of words?
Salt, in ancient times, was rare. Maybe this is Paul’s way of saying we shouldn’t talk too much (Proverbs 10:19).
As Job points out, salt adds flavor. Is it possible people were boring to listen to back then?
Finally, as a symbol of covenants, salt is binding. Perhaps our conversation should build up relationships rather than tear them down.
Application: Consider seasoning your conversation with metaphorical “salt.”
Food for Thought: What is an example of seasoning our conversation with salt?
Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.
I think simply being gracious and kind while we speak with others goes a long way. Honestly listening to them and not reacting with unnecessary shame and guilt. Quite frankly, our culture is terrible at this. It seems so many people are easily offended and quickly go to feeling hurt rather than entering into a meaningful, even if difficult, conversation.
Bill Maher recently met with President Trump. Maher relayed back how it was a great conversation and not what he expected from two people so diametrically opposed. We need more of that. Our culture won’t naturally do a lot of that, but as believers in Christ, we know we should. It is a part of loving others, even our “enemies.”
Thanks Rich!
I watched Bill’s report on his dinner with the President. I, too, was glad for the example they set. Both men came off appearing bigger than they had before. For people in the public eye – and even for those of us who are not – it is a good look.
What is an example of seasoning our conversation with salt?
Listening with empathy, acknowledging their feelings, and offering a practical suggestion and/or a hopeful perspective. I think seasoning the conversation with salt means highlighting that we are not alone in this life.
I find people tend to wander between despair and arrogance. This seems to me to be a part of the “crooked path” the Bible speaks about. In keeping our eyes on Christ we are able to walk the straight path. We are neither forsaken nor capable of saving ourselves. When one can take this to heart, a tremendous burden is lifted. It offers hope through Christ.
Proverb 4
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
What is an example of seasoning our conversation with salt?
Mathew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Jesus refers to His followers as the “salt of the earth”, indicating our role in preserving, displaying godly values as we continue life in this polutted world. We are not the Master Chef, merely the seasoning He chooses to add at the proper time.
Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:15-16
As a new believer, my big question was, “WHAT DO I DO NOW?” The answer was “KEEP STUDYING”…. “APPLYING GODS WORD IN YOUR LIFE”…..”YOU WILL KNOW”. As the years have passed I have in varied forms. been asked a common question, “ why are you different? “. It’s the opening I live for as my opportunity to tell others about Jesus has come.
Take a serious, sincere interest in each and every person God delivers into our lives, it could be in a home, in an airplane, in a store, campground, shopping Mall. Talk about them, who they are, what do they do, how is their life, and let it freely move as you learn about their lives. At some point they will ask about you, and you will realize this is the reason that have been brought to you. Tell them about Jesus.
At the very least, you are planting seeds, and if it’s Gods will, His timing, they will ask how they can be like you?