salty talk

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

~ Colossians 4:6

If you Google the origins of “salty talk”, you’ll be led to the 1800s and the crass language of sailors in that day. This seafaring definition even evolved from crude speech to angry outbursts. In today’s current slang, someone is “salty” when they verbally react with some mix of anger, resentment, bitterness, or irritation.

But the true root of “salty” speech goes back to the first century—and its definition was entirely different. Jesus Himself urges us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), to live in a way that represents the Lord and points others to God’s glory. It is the Apostle Paul, however, who focuses on our words, exhorting us to use salty talk. (Well, to be fair, it was almost 1000 years prior to that when the Psalmists and King Solomon wrote a lot about the ways we should and shouldn’t talk—see Psalm 141:3; 12:3-4; 34:13 and Proverbs 8:13, 21; 15:1 just to start—but it was Paul who coined the “salty” expression.)

So, what does it mean to be gracious and season our speech with salt (Colossians 4:6)? Well, we know that salt purifies, prevents corruption, and adds pleasant flavors. These aspects set a solid foundation. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul actually gives us some specific applications. First, we’re to speak truth in love—just like Jesus. And the more we grasp and practice love-plus-truth communication, the more we become like Him (Ephesians 4:15). And we need to edify, or build up, others—no need for dishonest, demeaning, or undignified talk (v29). Our words must also be kind, tender, and forgiving (again, reflecting Christ), while we avoid bitter, angry, and disparaging talk (vs 31-32).

The way Paul equates “salt” with “grace” is truly the best indication of how we, as believers, must use our words. It is by grace, through faith in Christ, which we are saved—getting what we don’t deserve because God loves us so much. And we’re called to love others like God loves us (John 13:34)…with outrageous grace! Sometimes it’s hard to speak truth, life, and grace. For sure. But salting our words is a simple and profound way to extend grace to others (yes, even when it’s undeserved…kind of like when God extended His grace to us). 

So, although our culture defines “salty talk” according to the darkness, bitterness, and clamor of this earth, let’s take back Paul’s original meaning…and flavor our world with grace.

Lord, my words matter. A lot. May my words be salty in a way that pleases You and gives You glory…most importantly, pointing others to Your amazing grace.