Salty Speech

Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. - Colossians 4:6

Thankfully, with age comes some experience and, hopefully, some wisdom. I have often been one of those people who "thinks out loud" and yet, I have learned (and continue to learn) that not everything crossing my mind should also cross my lips!

The ancient uses and applications for salt expose some of the deeper meaning to the statement concerning speech from Paul above. In fact, the Apostle is giving some relational advice that it would do us all good to hear and heed, especially in a day when it is easy to express ourselves to hundreds through social media. For example, before we offer our "two-cents" on an issue, we might want to consider how our words (like salt) enhance the flavor of the discussion or debate. We might also consider how (like salt) our words might "preserve God's truth" in the same. Finally, we should consider how (like salt) our words might "bring healing" to a perceived (or not) emotional wound.

The point is that often if we will only think before we speak (or express), then our thoughtful words can be used by God to make a positive (rather than contentious) difference in the life of another.

When I want to speak let me think first. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If not, let it be left unsaid. - Maltbie Davenport Babcock