Words Seasoned with Salt: Power in Words

We all know that salt has the power to make a dish delicious or unpleasant. Salt can enhance or ruin the flavor of food. But did you know, brothers and sisters, that our words are like food seasoned with salt?

Too little salt makes food bland. On the other hand, too much salt makes us thirsty and is not good for our health. In the same way, wasteful speech will make people bored or feel it is ‘dry’. Our words can also discourage and even hurt feelings if they are not filtered first.

Of course, we want our words to have just the right amount of salt. Not only pleasant to hear, but also ‘filling’. So then, what does it mean for words to be seasoned with salt?

The phrase ‘not bland’ in English is seasoned with salt, which means flavored with salt.

“Let your words always be full of grace, not bland, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” - Colossians 4:6 

As disciples of Jesus, we need to guard our speech. We must not let our words come out carelessly, even to curse, insult, or belittle others. Our words should be warm and full of love, so that those who receive them feel as though they are tasting a delicious dish.

Speech that is not careless noise, but full of kindness and substance, will build up and help those who hear it grow. How can my words become salt for others? Emotional pressure, situations, and circumstances often weaken the filter on our speech. Perhaps we also think that talking a lot will show intelligence, strength, or even power over others.

However, the key to words seasoned with salt lies in their quality, not quantity. It is not about the number of words, but how much they contribute to building up and growing others.

Above all, we need to learn from the example of the best speaker of all, the Lord Jesus Himself. In the Gospel accounts, we see how Jesus’ speech was always marked by wisdom, simplicity, clarity, firmness, and above all, effectiveness in expression.

Remember these three things before saying anything:

1. Words have power.

Perhaps we have heard people defend words that do not help others grow. For example, “But I meant well!” or, “This is for their own good.”

This is one reason why many adults become approval seeker. They were raised with the principle of reverse psychology in their family and school environments. They were showered with criticism, but received no support, praise, or appreciation.

Friend, our words have the power to build up or tear down. Whatever the motivation, our speech has an impact on others. Good intentions that are not expressed well will only leave someone’s heart bland.

2. Before speaking, think: What if I were the one receiving these words?

Whether toward fellow believers or toward those we are trying to reach, we need to develop empathy in the way we speak. Practice the habit of considering another person’s condition before saying something. Are they angry? Sad? Disappointed? Tired?

By understanding other people’s feelings, surely our words can more effectively build them up.

3. If you are angry, delay speaking.

Like a volcano erupting, our words when we are angry have the potential to throw out what is bad and cruel. Often, we regret it after the anger has subsided.

Friend, anger is human. The Lord Jesus showed His anger when He overturned the tables of the merchants in the temple. However, there is a very thin line between being angry and sinning. It takes wisdom and maturity not to cross it.

There is no loss in delaying words when you are angry. Do not let the tongue rule the body. Delaying speech is better, so that our words will later build up rather than tear down.

Prayer: Father, Your word is the only word full of power. By Your word, You made all that exists out of what did not exist. Your word saves, rebukes, and builds up. May our words also receive a splash of Your power so that they may bring souls into Your Kingdom. Amen.

Adapted from the article "Words Seasoned with Salt" by Pdt. Togar Sianturi.