Colossians 4:5-6 — Those Outside

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

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

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