Colossians 4:5-6 — Those Outside

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

walk in wisdom (v.5) — conduct yourself so as not to give a bad impression

outside (v.5) — unbelievers

redeeming the time (v.5) = purchasing completely — taking advantage of every opportunity

grace (v.6) = graciousness, courtesy, pleasantness

seasoned with salt (v.6) — Salt has a twofold purpose; 1) It gives flavor to the discourse and recommends it to the palate. This is the primary idea of the metaphor here, as the word “seasoned” seems to show; 2) It preserves from corruption and renders wholesome. It may be inferred that this secondary application of the metaphor was present to the apostle’s mind here, because of the parallel epistle (Ephesians 4:29), “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” — Wuest, page 235.

know (v.6) = be fully aware

answer each one (v.6) — according to his individual needs