This message is from Dr. Sproul’s 6-part teaching series Prayer. Learn more: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/prayer
Romans 6:16
Have you ever wondered which book in the Bible holds the key to unraveling the Christian faith’s profound meaning?
Many may argue their favorites, but for me, Romans 6 stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s like a beacon of clarity in the midst of theological complexities, guiding us toward the heart of Christianity.
In this remarkable chapter, Paul takes us on an exhilarating journey, expanding the gospel’s boundaries. We’ve long known that the law alone cannot save us; instead, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
We bask in the glow of God’s grace, a precious gift freely given, granting us the privilege of communion with Christ. But here’s the twist: through this grace, sin’s dominion over us is shattered.
Now, you might be thinking, “If God’s grace has already made us righteous, why bother with the Ten Commandments?
After all, they couldn’t save us.” It’s a valid question. To address it, we’ll take a page from Paul’s book and ponder the nature of obedience.
Imagine approaching a slave and asking, “Who is your master?” The answer might not always reveal the truth, as the slave could lie or be deceived. The only way to ascertain the master’s identity is by observing the slave’s actions — whom they yield to.
Paul elucidates this concept beautifully: “Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of that same one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).
In other words, your true master isn’t declared by words alone; it’s revealed through your actions. This principle applies not only to you but to everyone around you. There are two masters, each demanding distinct forms of service, bearing unique fruit and rewards.
One master is sin, leading to death, while the other is obedience, yielding righteousness. Now, here’s the profound twist — through God’s grace, you are no longer bound to sin. It loses its dominion over you. Instead, you are empowered to choose obedience, which ushers you into righteousness.
So, why do we need the Ten Commandments if grace has already set us free from sin’s dominion?
It’s not about earning our way into God’s favor; it’s about honoring our newfound freedom. The Commandments provide guidance, not for salvation but for living a life that aligns with the righteousness gifted to us by God.
In conclusion, Romans 6 shines as a beacon of clarity, revealing the power of God’s grace to free us from sin’s dominion. While the Ten Commandments don’t save us, they serve as a compass for our righteous journey.
Remember, your true master is known not by words alone but by the choices you make. Embrace the grace that empowers you to choose obedience and walk in righteousness, for in this path lies the essence of the Christian faith.
This article is part of the Key Bible Verses series.
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Read More
In the year. Around 740 B.C. King Uzziah died, marking the end of a lengthy era of national prosperity (see 2 Chronicles 26). Uzziah had contracted leprosy for flouting God’s holiness, and his son Jotham had been his co-regent for about 10 years (2 Chron. 26:16–21). I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne. The undying King holds court above. The words high and lifted up appear elsewhere in Isaiah (Isa. 52:13; 57:15) and seem to be part of his distinctive style. John 12:38–41 brings two of these together, implying that John saw the servant of Isa. 52:13–53:12 as not only messianic, but divine. The temple in Jerusalem modeled the temple in heaven (cf. Heb. 9:24; Rev. 4:1–4).
the seraphim. Fiery angelic beings (the Hb. word serapim means “flames”). Six wings suggest remarkable powers. The references to face and feet, with their capacity for speech in Isaiah 6:3 and Isaiah 6:7, and “his hand” in Isaiah 6:6, imply composite creatures, such as are represented in ancient Near Eastern art. he covered. Even a perfect, superhuman creature humbles himself before the all-holy God.
Holy, holy, holy. The threefold repetition intensifies the superlative (cf. Rev. 4:8). Holiness implies absolute moral purity and separateness above the creation (see note on Isa. 1:4). his glory. This is a technical term for God’s manifest presence with his covenant people. It was seen in the cloud in the wilderness (Ex. 16:7, 10); it moved in to “fill” the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34–35) and then the temple (1 Kings 8:11), where the worshipers could “see” it (Ex. 29:43; Ps. 26:8; 63:2). Several passages look forward to the day when the Lord’s glory would fill the earth, i.e., the whole world will become a sanctuary (Num. 14:21; Ps. 72:19; Hab. 2:14; cf. Isa. 11:9); and the ESV footnote suggests that the seraphic cry shares this anticipation. Other texts in Isaiah also look forward to the revealing of the Lord’s glory to the world (11:10; 35:2; 40:5; 58:8; 59:19; 60:1–2; 66:18). John 1:14 asserts that this glory was present in Jesus.
The revelation of the Holy One is disturbing (see Ex. 19:16–18). Woe is me! For the first time in the book, Isaiah speaks, and his word is a prophetic woe against himself. He confesses his unclean (i.e., not permitted in God’s presence) lips, unlike the seraphic choir, whose worship is pure. I dwell in the midst. Isaiah’s generation is unfit for God, and Isaiah himself is no better. my eyes have seen the King. The holiness of the King is such that the very sight of him seems as though it would be fatal to a sinner (cf. Gen. 32:30; Ex. 33:20; Isa. 33:14).
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!” Read More
Four living creatures exhibit features of cherubim (full of eyes; lion; ox; man; eagle) and seraphim (six wings; “Holy, holy, holy”) glimpsed by previous prophets (Isa. 6:2–3; Ezek. 1:10, 18). Variation and blending of such features is a reminder that in prophetic visions, images symbolize mysterious unseen realities. These close attendants represent and yet transcend the whole of the created order on earth and in heaven as they ceaselessly praise God for his intrinsic attributes: infinite holiness and power, and eternal life (in the repeated description, “who lives forever and ever,” in Rev. 4:9–10).
“There is none holy like the LORD:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.” Read More
The first and third lines of this verse are parallel: holy is parallel to rock, and the LORD is parallel to God, with different structure but similar meaning. The formula “there is no . . . like . . . ” denotes incomparability. Thus, for there is none besides you states that there is no absolutely holy being besides the Lord; moreover, only the Lord is God, i.e., “monotheism” is true (see Deut. 4:35; 32:39; 2 Sam. 22:32). “Rock,” a common OT epithet for God (e.g., Deut. 32:4, 15; 2 Sam. 22:2; 23:3), indicates God’s protection and strength. In Ps. 118:22 and Isa. 8:14; 28:16; as well as in 1 Pet. 2:6–8, “rock” has a messianic significance.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Read More
Call to Holiness. In Leviticus 19 the Lord strongly commands the people (including the priests) to become holy in their practice, as he is holy (v. 2). One becomes practically holy by observing all the following negative and positive commandments. Some of the commandments in vv. 3–18 are similar to the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:2–17), and the topics in this chapter show that holiness must be practiced in every sphere of one’s life. Some of the rules are grounded in the fact that the Lord is the One who saved the Israelites from the bondage in Egypt. Many of these rules (e.g., Lev. 19:9–18) are oriented toward the Israelites’ functioning as a loving community, serving one another’s well-being.
Holiness here refers first and foremost to the essential nature of God. The term holy means “set apart, unique, and distinct,” and holiness in humans ordinarily refers to their being set apart for service to God (see note on Isa. 6:3). Human holiness is the imitation of God, i.e., becoming and acting like him.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Read More
While living on this earth, Christians have to fight the desires of sin, so they are called to be obedient children, separated from evil in all that they do. They are to be holy (cf. Lev. 18:2–4), for that accords with the character of God who is holy and has called believers to himself.
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Read More
God dwells in the high and holy place of his eternal transcendence, where no one else may go, and also dwells with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Read More
Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet. The instructions to Moses are followed by a reason that emphasizes the place where he is standing. The very ordinariness of the location helps make the point that it is holy ground, not because of any special properties of the place but only because of God’s presence. This is representative of a theme in Exodus: God is holy, and he is the one who makes or declares places and people to be holy—and each is properly understood or treated as holy only in its relation to God. The instructions given to Moses here at the burning bush are also given to his successor Joshua when he meets the “commander of the army of the LORD” as Israel is preparing to take Jericho (see Josh. 5:13–15).
For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Read More
For I am the LORD. This self-identification is used here for the first time in the book; it occurs frequently from Leviticus 18 on. for I am holy. Cf. Lev. 19:2; Lev. 20:26; Lev. 21:8. The Lord, who is himself holy, calls his people to consecrate themselves, i.e., dedicate themselves to holiness (Hb. hitqaddesh), and to be holy, i.e., practice a holy lifestyle. Cf. Lev. 20:7–8 who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Personal consecration (in which a person imitates God’s own character) is a response to God’s gracious initiative (cf. Ex. 20:2). First Peter 1:16 applies the same principle to Christian readers, portraying them as the heirs of this special status.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth! Read More
All Nations, Ascribe Glory to the Lord! These verses develop the thought of v. 7, inviting the Gentiles to worship into his courts, i.e., in the temple precincts. The OT describes the future era, when the Gentiles receive the light, by picturing them coming to the Jerusalem temple (Isa. 2:2–3; even the lesser temple after the exile, Hag. 2:7–9). The Gentiles are to bring an offering and to worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness (i.e., the splendid presence of the all-holy one). Their uncleanness (cf. Isa. 52:1) can be cured by conversion, and then they too will be welcome in God’s house.
Ascribe . . . ascribe . . . Ascribe. These three lines are very similar to 29:1–2, except that there the heavenly beings are called to worship, while here it is the families of the peoples (i.e., Gentiles). Strength looks back to the same word in Psa. 96:6, and glory (Hb. kabod) is a synonym of “beauty” (Hb. tip’eret). Psa. 96:6 listed God’s attributes, and the Gentiles are called to “ascribe” (or acknowledge) these attributes. The glory due his name is the respect and honor God’s character deserves.
But the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice,
and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness. Read More
What sets Judah’s God apart is his exalted moral character. He is not merely a provider who is useful to humans; he is holy in himself, and he proves it by enforcing his moral order.
Be encouraged from God’s Word about his plan and purpose for marital relationships.
Wisdom is, first and foremost, from the Lord. When you desire wisdom, be encouraged to go to him and his word in prayer.
When life feels out of control, it can be comforting to remember that we’re never out of the sight of our Creator—and he never loses control.
We can learn what and how to pray to God from his very Word—even from the example of his own Son.
4:6 seasoned with salt In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting.[1]
4:6 with grace. To speak what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complimentary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful (see notes on Eph 4:29–31). seasoned with salt. Just as salt not only flavors, but prevents corruption, the Christian’s speech should act not only as a blessing to others, but as a purifying influence within the decaying society of the world.[2]
4:6 Let your speech always be with grace: Christ was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Christians are to be gracious, pleasant, attractive, winsome, and courteous. seasoned with salt: Not insipid, not flat, not dull, not tasteless. Christians are to have an edge of liveliness, and to be marked by purity, wholesomeness, and hallowed pungency. that you may know … answer each one: In order that we can adapt the message to the situation and speak appropriately to each and every person.[3]
4:6. How else can one bear fruit (1:10) except through what he says? Those at Colosse were to speak to unbelievers with grace, with their witness seasoned with salt (i.e., pure). What kind of questions were they being asked by unbelievers? Probably the same as those asked by unbelievers today. Effective evangelism was a concern for Paul when he considered these brethren (1:28), especially since they were bewildered by worldly teachings (2:8, 20, 23; 3:2, 16) and needed to be able to answer each one who questioned their faith and knowledge.[4]
4:6 Our speech should always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that we may know how we ought to answer each one. If our conversation is to be always with grace, it must be courteous, humble, and Christlike. It should be free from gossip, frivolity, uncleanness, and bitterness. The expression seasoned with salt may have a number of meanings. Some commentators think that although our language should be gracious, it should be equally honest and without hypocrisy. Other think of salt as that which heightens flavor, and so Paul is saying that our conversation should never be dull, flat, or insipid, but should always be worthwhile and profitable. Lightfoot says that heathen writers used “salt” as a figure of speech for “wit.” Paul changes wit to wisdom. Perhaps the best way to explain the expression is to study the language of the Lord Jesus. To the woman taken in the act of adultery, He said: “Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more.” Here we have the grace and the salt. First of all, the grace, “neither do I condemn you”; then the salt, “go, and sin no more.” Then again the Lord Jesus said to the woman at Jacob’s well: “Give Me a drink.… Go, call your husband.” The first speaks of grace, whereas the second reminds us more of salt.
That you may know how you ought to answer each one. Perhaps the Apostle Paul is here thinking particularly of the Gnostics who came to the Colossians with their plausible doctrines. They should be ready to answer these false teachers with words of wisdom and faithfulness.[5]
4:6. For the sharing of the message of Christ to be effective, the wise walk must be accompanied with flavorful talk. The believer’s talk is to be gracious, rather than gruff, and charming, rather than coarse. The believer’s talk is to be seasoned with salt. Salt was used for two purposes in Paul’s time. It was used as a preservative to keep food from spoiling. This would mean the believer’s speech is to be free from corruption, wholesome. Salt was also used as an additive to give flavor to food. If this meaning lies behind the figure, then the believer’s speech is to be interesting, witty, tactful, and appealing. Perhaps the best understanding of the reference to salt is that the believer’s speech is to be both wholesome and appealing. Paul wants believers to know how to answer everyone. He tells them to answer with speech which is gracious, wholesome, and appealing.[6]
4:6 “speech … seasoned … with salt” Believers must watch their speech (cf. Eph. 4:29). They are known by their words (cf. Matt. 15:1–20; Mark 7:2–23) and judged by their words (cf. Matt. 12:33–37; Luke 6:39–45). Speech and life will open opportunities for witnessing! Intention, not which evangelistic methodology one chooses to use, is the key. Prayer, not perfect presentation, is crucial. Wisdom is helpful but the Spirit is the determinative factor!
| SPECIAL TOPIC: HUMAN SPEECH I. Opening Thoughts From Proverbs on Human Speech A. Human speech enables us to communicate to others how we feel about life. Therefore, it reveals who we really are (Prov. 18:2; 4:23, 20–27). Speech is the acid test of the person (Prov. 23:7). B. We are social creatures. We are concerned with acceptance and affirmation. We need it from God and from our fellow humans. Words have the power to meet these needs in both positive (Prov. 17:10) and negative (Prov. 12:18) ways. C. There is tremendous power in human speech (Prov. 19:20–21); the power to bless and heal (Prov. 10:11, 21) and the power to curse and destroy (Prov. 11:9). D. We reap what we sow (Prov. 12:14). II. Principles from Proverbs on Human Speech A. The negative and destructive potential of human speech 1. the words of evil men, 1:11–19; 10:6; 11:9, 11; 12:5–6 2. the words of the adulteress, 5:2–5; 6:24–35; 7:5ff; 9:13–18; 22:14 3. the words of the liar, 6:12–15, 17, 19; 10:18; 12:17–19, 22; 14:5, 25; 17:4; 19:5, 9, 28; 21:28; 24:28; 25:18; 26:23–28 4. the words of the fool, 10:10, 14; 14:3; 15:14; 18:6–8 5. the words of false witnesses, 6:19; 12:17; 19:5, 9, 28; 21:8; 24:28; 25:18 6. the words of a gossip, 6:14, 19; 11:13; 16:27–28; 20:19; 25:23; 26:20 7. the words too quickly spoken, 6:1–5; 12:18; 20:25; 29:20 8. the words of flattery, 29:5 9. too many words, 10:14, 19, 23; 11:13; 13:3, 16; 14:23; 15:2; 17:27–28; 18:2; 21:23; 29:20 10. perverted words, 17:20; 19:1 B. The positive, healing and edifying potential of human speech 1. the words of the righteous, 10:11, 20–21, 31–32; 12:14; 13:2; 15:23; 16:13; 18:20 2. the words of the discerning, 10:13; 11:12 3. the words of knowledge, 15:1, 4, 7, 8; 20:15 4. the words of healing, 15:4 5. the words of a gentle answer, 15:1, 4, 18, 23; 16:1; 25:15 6. the words of a pleasant answer, 12:25; 15:26, 30; 16:24 7. the words of the law, 22:17–21 III. Principles from the New Testament on Human Speech A. Human speech enables us to communicate to others how we feel about life, therefore, it reveals who we really are (Matt. 15:1–20; Mark 7:2–23). B. We are social creatures. We are concerned with acceptance and affirmation. We need it from God and from our fellow man. Words have the power to meet these needs in both positive (2 Tim. 3:15–17) and negative (James 3:2–12) ways. C. There is tremendous power in human speech; the power to bless (Eph. 4:29) and the power to curse (James 3:9). We are responsible for what we say (James 3:2–12). D. We will be judged by our words (Matt. 12:33–37; Luke 6:39–45) as well as our deeds (Matt. 25:31–46). We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7).[7] |
Your word (4:6)
Therefore, I am not surprised that from the exhortation about general behaviour towards outsiders (v. 5), Paul moves to the specific behaviour of speech (v. 6).
a. Grace
Let your speech always be gracious. Over-literally we could translate: ‘Let your word always be in grace.’ ‘Walk in wisdom,’ ‘speak in grace.’ Wisdom is to shape our behaviour; grace is to shape our speech.
I do not think that Paul’s words can be pressed to mean, ‘always be speaking about God’s grace’. On the other hand, the evangelistic context should not be missed. There seems to be an echo from verse 3 in verse 6. Verse 3: ‘pray … that God may open to us a door for the word.’ Verse 6 (literally): ‘Let your word …’ He does not say that your word, like his, must be a clear declaration of the mystery of Christ. There is a difference between Paul’s declaring and the believer’s speaking, to which I will return in a moment. But your word must be ‘with grace’, which I do not think for Paul would just mean ‘polite’.
With so many links back to the beginning of the letter here at its close, how can we forget that what happened when the gospel came to Colossae is that they ‘heard it and understood God’s grace in truth’ (1:6)? Your speech, then, to outsiders must always be shaped by that grace. Whatever you are speaking about, grace will be present. ‘Always’, says Paul.
b. Salt
As though to underline that point, he says that your speech, your word, should always be seasoned with salt. No one seems to be quite sure what Paul precisely meant by this image. Of course we recall Jesus’ teaching about his disciples being ‘the salt of the earth’ (Matt. 5:13; Mark 9:49, 50; Luke 14:34). Some draw attention to idioms in contemporary Greek, where salty speech meant ‘interesting, lively and colourful’ speech. I am inclined to think the context here is sufficient to give us the sense of the metaphor. Speech that is flavoured with your knowledge of God’s grace will be salty. It will be significant, have effects, and do good.
c. Knowing how to answer
You would be right to observe that there has still been no direct instruction to believers to proclaim Christ on every possible occasion, to every outsider you speak to. Would we be right to heave a sigh of relief, and think that somehow ‘the word’ reaching the outsiders is not my responsibility, unless I am an evangelist (which I obviously am not!)?
No. But the wisdom of Paul does seem to recognize that many believers will not be constant evangelists. His last words here are very significant. Your conduct and your speech towards outsiders have this purpose: so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
There is an important shift in emphasis from verse 4 to verse 6. Making clear the mystery of Christ is how Paul ‘ought to speak’. Believers generally are to behave and speak in such a way that they will know ‘how you ought to answer’.
The practical significance of this is drawn out very helpfully by Dick Lucas. In his fine exposition of Colossians, he draws the following conclusions from this passage (it is well worth quoting at length):
We may describe this difference by saying that while the apostle looks for many opportunities for direct evangelism and teaching, the typical Christian in Colossae is to look for many opportunities for responsive evangelism.
If this distinction is a correct one, it immediately commends itself by its sanity and realism. Harm can be done by sincere believing people who feel compelled to preach and testify to those with whom they mix in shop or office. Rightly aware of the importance of their message, the sad ignorance of many of their neighbours, and the urgency of the times, they plunge in bravely (whatever the temperature!). But direct assault on entrenched apathy (to change the metaphor) is seldom successful and can never be carried out by normally sensitive people without great cost to nerve and confidence. Alas, one consequence of failure in such verbal witnessing is a discouragement sufficiently severe at times to lead to disengagement from this part of the battle altogether.
Now Paul’s advice to the Christians is not along the lines of possessing oneself of better techniques with which to approach people. Rather he turns the problem right around so that the Christians can see their responsibilities in a much more promising light. Their privilege, simply put, is to answer everyone. That is to say they are to respond to the questions of others rather than initiate conversations on leading topics; they are to accept openings rather than make them.
This is, emphatically, not to sound the retreat. Paul evidently believes that opportunities for response and explanation are to be found everywhere, for everyone is looking to discover answers about life and its meaning. And Paul evidently thinks that believing Christians should be found everywhere too, ready to take up these frequent opportunities.
It is obvious what strain this removes from conscientious Christians. The pressure to raise certain topics and reach certain people can make it difficult to live or talk normally. In any case we go to the office to work, not to evangelize. But by being ready and willing to respond the way is opened to a more serene, and successful, approach to each day’s opportunities. It opens the way, too, for a greater dependence on God’s leading as well as for a more relevant and sensitive witness, suited to each individual. And remember, when the outsider has chosen the time and the place and the subject, how wonderfully free is the Christian to ‘open his mouth’ and tell ‘the good news of Jesus’.[8]
Ver. 6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.—
I. The exhortation. 1. What: Your speech. (1) It is not sufficient to order our life and actions well unless we at the same time regulate our words (James 1:26). (2) Not only is there danger of guilt and damnation from wicked actions, but from wicked speeches (James 3:8; Prov. 18:21). (3) It is the mark of a perfect Christian to manage his discourse rightly (James 3:2). 2. How long: always. Whenever we speak we must speak as we ought. Hence they are to be reproved who only speak soberly before grave men, or in affliction. While in their banquets, or private conversation, they regard it as a privilege to talk obscurely or foolishly. 3. In what manner: with grace as it were seasoned with salt, i.e., with religious prudence flowing from the Holy Spirit, which first directs the heart, then the tongue. (1) As salt extracts noxious humours and banishes putresency from meat, so the grace of wisdom represses idle language, and represses wicked and impure (Eph. 4:20) (2) As salt is helpful to digestion, so wisdom is suited to edification (Eccles. 12:10) 4. Instructions: (1) No discourse of Christians ought to be insipid; but that is deemed as unsavoury which is either hurtful or unprofitable. (2) It is not sufficient to season our speech with any any kind of salt, but we must do it with the salt of wisdom. The salt of satirical virulence must be discarded, and that of jocularity be used sparingly. (3) They are altogether destitute of this salt who blab out words—(a) corrupting the mind by heresy and doubt; (b) corrupting the heart by obscure or irreligious sayings. For it is the office of salt to restrain not to promote corruption.
II. The amplification. 1. The fountain of sound speech: knowledge drawn from the Word of God, laid up in the speaker’s mind. “That ye may know.” 2. Its use—“that it may be answered to every man as it is fit,” i.e., (1) To unbelievers requiring a reason of our faith, constantly and prudently, lest we expose religion to ridicule. (2) To heretics impugning the faith, vigorously and bravely to maintain religion. (3) To the ignorant, that we may impart saving knowledge. (4) To the afflicted, that we may minister comfort. 3. Corollaries: (1) All Christians must endeavour to obtain that knowledge of Divine things which may guide them to render a reason for their faith (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 8:7). (2) Hence the wickedness and folly of Romanists who would take away the salt of the Divine Word from the people. (Bp. Davenant.)
Gracious speech:—
I. The precept deals with the properties of speech. 1. Graciousness. (1) In respect to the cause good words are gracious. (a) Because they flow from the free grace of God without our merit, for we do not deserve to be trusted with a single good word. Reason yields us conceits, and nature an instrument to speak by, but it is the God of nature by His free grace that gives us good words. (b) Our words ought to proceed from some grace of God in the heart, as from knowledge, faith, joy, love, sorrow, fear, &c., and in this sense, when on the tongue, they carry the name of the fountain whence they flow. (2) In respect of the subject: the matter we talk of must be good, words of instruction, comfort, faith, hope, &c., and all seasoned by the daily memory and mention of God’s grace to us in Christ (Psa. 40:11) (3) In respect of the effect: such as tend to build up and minister grace to the hearers (Eph. 4:29). (a) Fair words. (b) Inoffensive words and not railing, bitter, slanderous, blasphemous, or filthy: no, nor even such jesting words as irritate, disgrace, and bite. (c) Seasonable words (Prov. 15:23). (d) Wholesome words (Eph. 4:29). 2. Powdered with salt. The reference is to the salt of sacrifice, and the salt of preservation. (1) It is implied that there are corrupt words which want seasoning. (a) The talk of the covetous is of mammon. (b) Epicures talk of sports and pleasures. (c) The superstitious of the signs of heaven, &c. (d) The wrathful of vengeance. (e) The ambitious of their prospects. (2) Christians must season this corruption. (a) There is the salt of doctrine, whereby those who have it become the salt of the earth. (b) The salt of mortification, which every Christian must have in himself. (c) The salt of discretion (James 3:2).
II. The end of the precept—“That ye may know how to answer.” Observe, in general, that by speaking well we learn to speak well; and that the soundest knowledge is experimental. He knows not how to answer that practice himself, no matter how many arguments he may have in his head. To answer does not always mean to reply, but sometimes to continue to speak (Matt. 11:25). 1. As to answering unbelievers. Notice—(1) True grace is sure to be opposed; let therefore every Christian expect it, and be prepared for it. (2) Every Christian ought to answer for the truth wherever and by whomsoever, opposed. (3) It is not easy to answer well, therefore note the requisities—(a) Deliberation and understanding of the matter. (b) Prayer (Prov. 16:1; Habak 2:1). (c) Faith in God’s favour and promise (Matt. 10:19; Psa. 119:41–42). (d) Discretion concerning time, place, occasion, persons (Prov. 25:11; 26:4, 6). (e) Patience. (f) Humility. (g) A good conscience (1 Pet. 5:14). 2. As to answering believers, observe that—(1) Christians should propound their doubts one to another. (2) Strong Christians should help the weak with instruction and arguments (Rom. 2:19). (3) However hard all answers should be gracious, seasonable, and profitable. (4) Custom in gracious speech breeds, by God’s blessing, an ability to give sound judgment, advice, and resolution of doubts. It is not wit, learning, or authority, that breeds this. (N. Byfield.) The right use of speech:—When we consider the importance of speech, the ease with which we speak, and the pleasure we derive from this faculty, no wonder so much labour has been taken to improve it. Hundreds of rhetoricians have giving rules respecting “the art of speaking well.” But that is really a Christian grace. Christianity alone lays down the fundamental rules of good speaking, and puts us in the way of doing most good with the talent of speech.
I. The precept shows—1. The character of Christian converse. It must be gracious. (1) Good words flow from grace no less than good deeds. When God gave you a new heart He gave you a new tongue. Words are the pictures of thought, and “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” When grace is in the heart means will be employed to forward the work of grace in others (Psa. 66:16). (2) Speech is always to be with grace, not now and then. How many Christians there are whose words at times are all they ought to be, and at others the reverse. 2. Its properties—“seasoned with salt.” (1) Salt is an article of food, so our conversation should be morally and intellectually nutritive. (3) Salt gives a relish to ordinary food. How helpful may converse be in making the dry monotonies of life and the hard fare of affliction palatable. (3) Salt preserves, and so should speech preserve the family, neighbourhood, country. How many a family, society, nation, have been preserved from corruption by the wise counsels of a father, citizen, statesman. (4) Salt heals (2 Kings 2:21), and so a few gracious words of meekness have healed the most serious breaches. “A soft answer turneth away wrath.”
II. The end and use of the precept—“That ye may know,” &c. How much wisdom is needed for this. Many a good man has done much mischief for want of prudence here; by ill-timed zeal, dogmatism, offensive statement of truth, wrangling discussion. For the better ordering of speech—1. Consider the end of it. Speech was not given to man for God’s sake. He can tell the meaning of the heart without words; nor for our own sakes—it is unnecessary for the perception of individual wants; but for the benefit of others. Recollect, then, when you open your lips that it should be for the good of those who hear you. 2. Meditate before speaking. “If you think twice before you speak once, you will speak twice the better for it.” 3. Be moderate in speech. It is evident by the design of providence that the faculty of speech should be used less than most others. We have but one tongue, but two ears, two eyes, &c. “Let thy words be few.” “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” “A fool is known by the multitude of words.” The weakest minds are often the most garrulous; they unconsciously make up in number of words what they lack in wisdom; whereas the wisest try to say much in few words. There is far the most depth where there is least noise. (T. Watson, B.A.)
Conversation:—
I. By speech with grace the apostle does not mean what is so often miscalled religious conversation. This is good in fit time and place, and to proper persons. But it is distasteful and injurious when obtruded unseasonably; worthless when it runs into perplexing technicalities; offensive when it degenerates into unmeaning cant; mischievous when it feeds the habit of morbid introspection. But there is a grace which, blending with speech, on all sorts of subjects and occasions, may make the whole intercourse of life religious. Our Saviour at Bethany would not talk with His friends only on God and heaven, but about their earthly concerns and friends; yet there was that in all His words which indicated Him as the Holy One of God. The traits of grace which should mark the conversations of Christians are—1. Truth. The Christian has, of course, put away lying; yet there are excellent persons who are careless as to exact and literal truth, on whose lips a surmise takes the place of a fact, and who, while they would not for their right hand make a lie for themselves, are not equally scrupulous about lies made by others, or those which grow from tongue to tongue. Yet there is no deviation from truth which may not either do mischief to others, or reflect on him who gives it currency. How few confine themselves to what they know! There are so many things outside this limit which give zest to social intercourse; while literal speech is so jejune and dull. Yet speech thus weighed may save from fearful complicity in evil. 2. Sincerity—(1) in the expression of opinions. On many subjects on which the clear utterance of all who think soberly would be as efficient in demolishing the wrong and establishing the right as Joshua’s trumpet blast, good men pause to listen when they ought to speak, or speak ambiguously so that their words may seem to favour the winning side. Hence public opinion on subjects of prime importance is manufactured by those interested in the wrong. No moral force is so mighty as outspoken Christian opinion. It is a trust, therefore, for the common good, and should be used—(2) In the expression of feeling. Silence or sincerity should be the alternative. Bad feeling ought not to be uttered, but while it rankles in the heart it ought not to be forced into hypocritical utterance. Let the artifice which gives truth-like expression to the proper feelings we do not feel be exchanged into the endeavour to suppress in our hearts all we should blush to utter. But every genuine emotion demands and merits unconstrained expression. Admiration, enthusiasm, love of beauty, all kindly sympathies, by natural and hearty utterance gain strength, and bless those who speak and those who hear; while he who keeps right feelings under a perpetual restraint becomes the cold and passionless clod he tries to seem. 3. Kindness. (1) The tongue is the chief instrument of and hindrance to charity. What is charity without it? It is only the very abject that can enjoy mere alms, and what is coldly or chidingly given starves and chills the soul while it feeds and warms the body: whereas there are words which bless even the poor more than gifts, by imparting inspiration and awakening hope. (2) In ordinary social life, too, kind speech is demanded beyond all other forms of kindness. More unhappiness is caused through unkind speech than through all else combined. What beneficent agency can be compared with that of him or her in whose ears all scandal lies buried, and whose lips are hollowed for gentle ministries of encouragement and refinement. (3) It is not enough that we pull up all roots of bitterness from the heart. There is not a little of unkind speech that is not meant to be so. The fibres of human feeling are tremulously sensitive to our unskilled touch. 4. Modesty. “In honour preferring one another” is a rule for conversation. The opinionativeness which always knows it is right and everybody else wrong; self-assertion, the ambition for effect barely tolerable in genius are disgusting in mediocrity. Mutual instruction and entertainment are the chief uses of conversation, and these ends are defeated when one assumes as his the right to be an oracle. 5. Reverence. When the tone of reverence is low, there is a vicious tendency to introduce sacred things to give raciness to an anecdote, or to point a jest. But when the natural track of conversation leads near the oracles of God, there should always be in our speech that which corresponds to the taking off of the shoes of our feet on holy ground.
II. Speech seasoned with salt, i.e., not insipid, as talk is that is only negatively good. 1. Its importance. It is frequently lack of salt that has brought religious conversation into disrepute. The more grace there is in the words the more salt do they need to make them palatable, and to render them worthy of themes so high. In the intercourse of daily life there is a willingness merely to fill up the time with a continuous flow of words, no matter with how little wit or sense or even freshness. But the Christian should regard the capacity for conversation as a talent to be employed for precious uses. More than anything else it makes home attractive, gives a charm to society, and counteracts, when well employed, the charm of vicious society. 2. Its cultivation. In order to talk well (1) we must not enter into conversation lazily and listlessly. It is not thus that we engage in other recreations, the best of which are only varied employments. (2) We need to train ourselves and should keep ourselves abreast of current topics, and so exercise our minds upon them that we may not reproduce the hackneyed commonplaces of the press and street. (3) We need to read much and well with a view of being conversant with what everybody is ready to talk about, and to have our own speciality from which we can contribute to the common stock of knowledge. (4) Then as to conversational power there is the widest difference between him who moves ever as in a blind study, and him who goes through life with his eyes and ears wide open. The incidents of a walk through crowded streets or country lanes, the treasured experiences of distant travel, the curious information gleaned from transient fellow-wayfarers, the contents of an old book may add largely to one’s materials for pleasant and appetising conversation. (5) We must throw ourselves unreservedly into social intercourse instead of keeping up our own insulated trains of thought, listening by snatches, and answering at haphazard. If we want to meditate let it be in solitude. If we talk, that is our work for the time being, and let us put our best into it. If the theme be grave, let it have our ripest thoughts in well-weighted utterance; if gay, let us contribute what we can of mirth.
III. But with the salt never forget the grace. Not mere amusement is the Christian’s aim, but edification, i.e., building up the social edifice with its substantial foundation, frame, and walls of solid principle, with its firm fretwork and tracery that shall lack no element of beauty. There are occasions on which he must speak directly in defence of the truth and plead his Master’s cause, and sometimes deal out rebuke. But there are more numerous occasions when, with a heart always loyal, he can serve the cause of virtue much more efficiently by talking on common subjects in a Christian way, and by dropping unostentatiously, ever and anon, a word in season that may be a seed-thought for a spiritual harvest. (A. P. Peabody, D.D.)
Christ’s truth in relation to our daily conversation:—
I. The large space which words occupy in human life. 1. On account of their number. Great part of human life is passed in talking. How many millions of words are uttered in the course of a long human life. 2. On account of their consequences. There are many things which are very easy to do, but the effects of which will last for ages. It is easy to sow an acorn, it is soon done; but the growth of the acorn is not soon done; it becomes an oak, which will defy the tempests of a thousand years. The conflagration of Chicago was very soon done.
II. The importance of special self-examination in reference to our words.
III. Earnest listening to the Divine voices, the cure for vain speech and the source of gracious speech. 1. The cure for vain speech. St. James says, “Be ye swift to hear, slow to speak.” 2. The source of gracious speech.
IV. Our words are not to be all about religion, but to be pervaded by the spirit of religion.
V. Our conversation being thus seasoned, we shall know how we ought to answer every man. (R. Abercrombie, M.A.)
Speech seasoned with salt:—That does not mean the “Attic salt of wit.” There is nothing more wearisome than the talk of men who are always trying to be piquant and brilliant. Such speech is like a “pillar of salt,” it sparkles, but is cold, and has points that wound, and it tastes bitter. That is not what Paul recommends.
I. Salt was used in sacrifice. Let the sacrificial salt be applied to all our words, i.e., let all we say be offered to God, “a sacrifice of praise to God continually.”
II. Salt preserves. Put into your speech what will keep it from rotting. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” Frivolous talk, dreary gossip, ill-natured, idle, to say nothing of foul and wicked words, will be silenced when your speech is seasoned with salt.
III. Salt gives savour to food. Do not deal in insipid generalities, but suit your words to your hearers, “that ye may know,” &c. Speech that fits close to the characteristics and wants of the people to whom it is spoken is sure to be interesting, but that which does not will for them be insipid. Commonplaces that hit full against the hearer will be no commonplaces to him, and the most brilliant words that do not meet his minds or needs will to him be tasteless “as the white of an egg.” Individual peculiarities, then, must determine the wise way of approach to each man, and there will be a wide variety of methods. Paul’s language to the wild hill tribes of Lycaonia was not the same as to the cultivated, curious crowd on Mars Hill, and his sermons in the synagogues have a different tone from his reasonings before Felix.
IV. Salt has to be rubbed in if it is to do any good. Preaching to a congregation has its own place and value; but private and personal talk, honestly and wisely done, will effect more than the most eloquent preaching. Better to drill the seeds, dropping them one by one into the little pits made for their reception, than to sow them broadcast. (A. Maclaren, D.D.)
Seasoning a letter:— I have read of a lady who, writing to a young man in the navy, thought, “Shall I close this as anybody would, or shall I say a word for my Master?” and, lifting up her heart for a moment, she wrote, telling him that his constant change of scene and place was an apt illustration of the Word, “Here we have no continuing city,” and asked if he could say, “I seek one to come.” Trembling she folded it, and sent it off. Back came the answer: “Thank you so much for those kind words. I am an orphan, and no one has spoken to me like that since my mother died, long years ago.” The arrow, shot at venture, hit home, and the young man shortly after rejoiced in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace.
A word spoken in season:—A clergyman sailing up the Hudson River in a sloop, some forty years since, was pained by the profaneness of a young man. Seeking a favourable opportunity, he told him he had wounded his feelings by speaking against his best friend—the Saviour. The young man showed no relentings, and at one of the landings left the boat. Seven years after, as this clergyman went to the General Assembly at Philadelphia, a young minister accosted him, saying he thought he remembered his countenance, and asked him if he was not on board a sloop on the Hudson River, seven years before, with a profane young man. “I,” said he, “am that young man. After I left the sloop I thought I had injured both you and your Saviour. I was led to Him for mercy, and I felt that I must preach His love to others. I am now in the ministry, and have come as a representative to this Assembly.” (British Workman.)
Salt:—Do not mistake vinegar for oil, or pepper for salt. “Seasoned with salt.” Let it be tasteful and savoury. I read, quite lately, a most striking incident, showing the power of grace seasoned with salt in speaking a timely word to one that was without. An officer in your army was led to help a lady who was an earnest worker among soldiers. One evening, after helping at a soldiers’ tea, he came to her, evidently much excited, and said, “I have almost made up my mind that I will never come here again.” She expressed, of course, her regret, and asked what had happened. “Oh, So-and-so has been at me about coming here as I do, and being such a card-player as I am. But I can’t give up my cards; that I shall never do.” “Oh,” said the lady, “I am sorry that you have been spoken to in that way. You can’t give up your cards. I should never ask you to do that. Why, it is all you have got. You must have something.” Well, that was “grace seasoned with salt,” for it brought him to himself. He saw that if that card-playing was taken from him he had nothing left; and he had no rest until the love of Jesus had delivered him from the love of the world. (A. Monod, D.D.)
A turn in the talk:—I shall never forget the way a thirsty individual once begged of me on Clapham Common. I saw him with a very large truck in which he was carrying a very small parcel, and I wondered why he had not put the parcel in his pocket and left the machine at home. I said, “It looks odd to see so large a truck for so small a load.” He stopped, and, looking me seriously in the face, he said, “Yes, sir, it is a very odd thing; but do you know I have met with an odder thing than that this very day. I have been about working and sweating all this ’ere blessed day, and till now I haven’t met a single gentleman that looked as if he’d give me a pint of beer till I saw you.” I considered that turn in the conversation very neatly managed; and we, with a far better subject upon our minds, ought to be equally able to introduce the topic on which our heart is set. There was an ease in the man’s manner which I envied, for I did not find it quite so simple a matter to introduce my own topic to his notice; yet if I had been thinking as much about how I could do him good as he had upon how to obtain a drink, I feel sure I should have succeeded in reaching my point. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Wise words spoken in reason:—Travelling by diligence from Geneva to Dole with a Roman Catholic, I said to him, simply, “I should like to speak to you about your soul, but I don’t know how to go about it.” “Well, sir, go on,” said the man, heartily. I continued, or rather we continued, and, on leaving him, I had the happiness of hearing him thank God for having made some one speak to him of salvation, and he begged me to send him a Bible. In general, I have found that if one commences a conversation of this kind with kindness and politeness, one will be always listened to. This is, besides, the only way to succeed. (C. Malan.)
Religion in conversation:—“What awakened you?” said a Christian minister on one occasion to a young friend. “It was what you said to me one evening coming out of the lecture-room. As you took me by the hand, you said, ‘Mary, one thing is needful.’ You said nothing else, and passed on; but I could not forget it.” It was a word spoken in the Spirit, and the Lord accompanied it with saving power. The sculptor, Bacon, being an earnest Christian, used to seek opportunities of introducing religion into his conversation. On one of these occasions, the lady he addressed, said, “As to that, my religion is to fear God, and keep His commandments; so we will talk no more on such matters.” Bacon replied, “But, madam, you will recollect it is said, ‘they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.’ ” (J. F. B. Tinling.)[9]
6. This eagerness for witness must not be the excuse for brash arrogance or boring complacency (imagining one’s own formulae to contain all the answers). On the contrary: let your conversation be always full of grace (the word ‘grace’ has, in Greek as in English, the possible double meaning of God’s grace and human graciousness), seasoned with salt. The metaphor of ‘salty’ speech was a common one in the ancient world. Paul knows that a tedious monologue is worse than useless in evangelism. Christians are to work at making their witness interesting, lively and colourful; and, at the same time, to ensure that they have thoroughly mastered the rudiments of their faith so that you may know how to answer everyone. ‘Answer’ implies that outsiders will ask Christians about their new life, as indeed they will if verse 5 is being obeyed. Many such questions are predictable; but each questioner is an individual and must be respected and loved as such. If the ‘answer’ is heard or felt as an oracular pronouncement or a rebuke for ignorance, the argument may be won but the person lost.
Paul’s thought has come full circle. Beginning with a report of his thankful prayer for the Colossians (1:3ff.), and of his work for the gospel (1:24–2:5), he has ended with the request that they should pray as he prays, and work as he works. Their prayer and life, like his, are to be expressions of the loving wisdom of God, reaching out in Christ to save the world.[10]
6. Your speech. He requires suavity of speech, such as may allure the hearers by its profitableness, for he does not merely condemn communications that are openly wicked or impious, but also such as are worthless and idle. Hence he would have them seasoned with salt. Profane men have their seasonings of discourse, but he does not speak of them; nay more, as witticisms are insinuating, and for the most part procure favour,2 he indirectly prohibits believers from the practice and familiar use of them. For he reckons as tasteless everything that does not edify. The term grace is employed in the same sense, so as to be opposed to talkativeness, taunts, and all sorts of trifles which are either injurious or vain.
That ye may know how. The man who has accustomed himself to caution in his communications will not fall into many absurdities, into which talkative and prating persons fall into from time to time, but, by constant practice, will acquire for himself expertness in making proper and suitable replies; as, on the other hand, it must necessarily happen, that silly talkers expose themselves to derision whenever they are interrogated as to anything; and in this they pay the just punishment of their silly talkativeness. Nor does he merely say what, but also how, and not to all indiscriminately, but to every one. For this is not the least important part of prudence—to have due regard to individuals.[11]
Ver. 6.—(Let) your speech (literally, word) (be) always with grace, seasoned with salt (Eph 4:29, 31; 5:3, 4; Titus 2:8; Matt. 12:34–37; Luke 4:22; Ps. 45:2). “Word” (λόγος) has its common acceptation, as in ch. 3:17; 2:23; Titus 2:8; 2 Tim. 2:17; Jas. 3:2. “With grace” (ἐν χάριτι) gives the pervading element of Christian speech; as “in wisdom,” of Christian behaviour (ver. 5). “Grace,” here without the article, is not, as in ch. 3:16, where the article should probably be read, “the (Divine) grace,” but a property of speech itself, “gracefulness”—the kindly, winning pleasantness which makes the talk of a good and thoughtful man attractive: comp. Ps. 45:2 (44:3, LXX); Eccles. 10:12 (LXX); Sir. 21:16. “Salt” is the “wholesome point and pertinency” (Ellicott) seasoning conversation, while grace sweetens it. The clause which follows indicates that “salt” denotes here, as commonly in Greek (instance the phrase, “Attic salt”), an intellectual rather than a moral quality of speech. In Eph. 4:29 the connection is different, and the application more general (comp. Matt. 5:13; Mark 9:49, 50). That you may know how you ought to answer each one (ver. 4; 1 Pet. 3:15; Phil. 1:27, 28; 2 Thess. 2:17). The Colossians were to pray for the apostle that he might “speak the mystery of Christ … as he ought to speak;” and he bids them seek for themselves the same gift of παῤῥησία, liberty of speech and readiness to “every good word.” For their faith was assailed by persuasive sophistry (ch. 3:4, 8, 23) and by brow-beating dogmatism (ch. 2:16, 18, 20, 21). They were, like St. Paul, “set for the defence of the gospel,” placed in the van of the conflict against heresy. They needed, therefore, “to have all their wits about them,” so as to be able, as occasion required, to make answer to each of their opponents and questioners, that they might “contend” wisely as well as “earnestly for the faith.” 1 Pet. 3:15 is a commentary on this verse: the parallelism is the closer because that Epistle was addressed to Churches in Asia Minor, where the debates out of which Gnosticism arose were beginning to be rife; and because, likewise, “the hope that was in them” was a chief object of the attack made on the Colossian believers (ch. 1:5, 23, 27; 2:18; 3:15).
With this exhortation the Christian teaching of the Epistle is concluded. In its third and practical part (ch. 3:1–4:6) the apostle has built up, on the foundation of the doctrine laid down in the first chapter, and in place of the attractive but false and pernicious system denounced in the second, a lofty and complete ideal of the Christian life. He has led us from the contemplation of its “life of life” in the innermost mystery of union with Christ and of its glorious destiny in him (ch. 3:1–4), through the soul’s interior death-struggle with its old corruptions (vers. 5–11) and its investment with the graces of its new life (vers. 12–15), to the expression and outward acting of that life in the mutual edification of the Church (vers. 16, 17), in the obedience and devotion of the family circle (ver. 18–ch. 4:1), in constant prayerfulness and sympathy with the ministers and suffering witnesses of Christ (vers. 2–4), and, lastly, in such converse with men of the world, and in the midst of the distracting debate by which faith is assailed, as shall fittingly commend the Christian cause.[12]
Word management (v. 6)
When speaking, care must be taken to be gracious and wise: ‘Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.’ To speak well of Christ, local churches and pastors is the height of wisdom. People are more inclined to ‘read’ believers’ actions rather than the Bible. Wise words from believers will prevent outsiders slandering the local church, and will help to advance the kingdom of Christ. Christians are to let God’s grace teach them how to handle others well. Paul’s use of the word ‘always’ alerts us to the need to show grace even when provoked (1:11; Eph. 4:29). Because of this, the believer’s conversations and retorts need to be ‘seasoned with salt’. Paul is reminding them that the tongue is the most difficult member of the body to control (James 3:1–10). His illustration is apt, as Christian conversation should be both appetizing (tasty) and beneficial (nutritious), thus leaving the outsiders wanting more (1 Tim. 3:7).
Put your own name in this verse: ‘Let …’s speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.’ Let this be so when you are with your friends and the tendency is to be unguarded and crude, or when confronted by your enemies and the tendency is to be rude and harsh. Rather let there be a gracious habit of speech, not abusive, not vindictive, but truthful and loving (Eph. 4:15a; 1 Peter 2:23; Prov. 10:32; Eccles. 10:12). Paul is encouraging us to speak the right word to the right person at the right time.[13]
6 Walking wisely and maximizing one’s life for the gospel is now clarified further and counters all-too-easy-to-develop zeal, arrogance, polemics, arguments, and hot-headed diatribes with outsiders: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” A structural diagram of the logic looks like this:
Let your conversation be always full of grace
(i.e., “seasoned with salt”)
So that you may know how to answer.
In this reading “seasoned with salt” either modifies the verb or, more likely, the expression “always full of grace.” That is, gracious communication is seasoned with salt. Paul’s intent here is not simply civility but knowing how to respond to outsiders with good news. In using the singular noun “your conversation [logos, or word],” he evokes a double edge: normal words that prompt speaking of the gospel. Such spoken words are always to be done “full of grace.”378 The NIV adds “full of” by way of interpretation, while the CEB has “gracious” to translate what is more literally translated “in grace.” The amount of grace is not in view; the manner of speaking is. Paul wants their speech to be gracious—kind, considerate, forgiving, patient (cf. Col 3:12).
The clarification “seasoned with salt” is a trope capable of various connotations and, as an analogy, creates the ambiguity and enlightenment that comes with an image. A similar usage is found in Matt 5:13; Mark 9:49–50; Luke 14:34. What follows in Colossians makes clear that saltiness is gracious, wise, informed, and redemptive speech. Salt was used to preserve and to flavor. Various attempts can be found to give this imagery in concrete life: BDAG suggests “to make it interesting and fruitful,” while Harris suggests “pungency and wittiness of speech”; Dunn provides evidence that some academics were “unsalted, insipid” and that Plutarch used the image for wittiness.383 One is inclined to see in this trope the idea of being charming and clever when the heat is on or when the opportunity arises.
The result or purpose of such speech is that the Colossians will “know how to answer everyone [or each person encountered].” Surely we have here, as at 1 Pet 3:15, an open window into early Christian apologetics and evangelism, one that involved not only knowledge of the gospel but practiced, disciplined sensitivity in responses to all the kinds of people they encountered. The how-ness is Paul’s emphasis: words laced with grace, like peace (3:15), shape how the unbeliever perceives the gospel. Yet, there is a what-ness as well. The word “answer” may well mean provide answers or response to questions being asked of the faith.[14]
6 The grace and wisdom that Paul desires for his own utterance are enjoined upon his readers too. They never know when they may be called on to give an answer with regard to their faith, whether in private conversation or more publicly. Jesus promised his disciples that, when occasion for such a defense arose in a court of law, he himself would give them “a mouth and wisdom” (Luke 21:15), and the narrative of Acts repeatedly illustrates the fulfilment of this promise. Those who debated with Stephen, for example, “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke” (Acts 6:10).
If Christians practice grace of speech, it will not desert them when they find themselves suddenly confronted by the necessity of defending their belief. Nor will their speech be acceptable if it is insipid. Those who are the salt of the earth20 may reasonably be expected to have some savor about their language. In pagan usage “salt” in such a context means “wit”;22 here perhaps it is rather the saving grace of common sense. The replies of some of the early martyrs to their interrogators may illustrate what is meant; there is no lack of this kind of “salt,” for example, in the narrative of the trial of Justin Martyr and his companions. “No right-thinking person,” says Justin, “turns away from true belief to false.” “Do what you will,” say his companions, “for we are Christians, and Christians do not sacrifice to idols.”
Moreover, the conversation of Christians must not only be “opportune as regards the time; it must also be appropriate as regards the person.” The importance attached in the primitive church to the proper answering of questions about the faith is attested by various passages in the Gospels,25 as also by the exhortation in 1 Pet. 3:15, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.”[15]
Commentary
6 If the Colossians could facilitate evangelistic opportunities with outsiders by walking wisely, they could also promote the gospel and the good by speaking graciously. Paul regarded his earlier admonition to do all things in word or deed in Christ’s name and with thanksgiving (3:17) to be applicable both inside and outside the Christian community. Early Christians were sometimes subject to slander (see my Conflict at Thessalonica, 214). As members of a new religious movement, they would have been prime targets for verbal potshots. As a minuscule minority with no sociopolitical clout of which to speak, they would have had a difficult time deflecting defamation. It is an ever-present temptation to retaliate when maligned. Paul and other early Christian writers encourage believers to forgo the desire to fight verbal fire with fire (Ro 12:14; 1 Th 5:15; 1 Pe 3:8–12; cf. Mt 5:11–12, 43–48; Lk 6:22–24).
Paul calls the congregation always to let their conversation, whether with outsiders or insiders, be grounded in and laced with “grace.” As beneficiaries of God’s benevolence in Christ, they were to be gracious to others—even detractors. Their speech was not to be insipid or too salty, but “seasoned,” sprinkled if you will, with an appropriate amount of salt. “Those who are the salt of the earth [cf. Mt 5:13; Mk 9:49–50; Lk 14:34–35] may reasonably be expected to have some savour about their language” (Bruce, 175). If the Colossians cultivate speech patterns that are “full of grace” and “seasoned with salt” (contrast 3:8–9), Paul reasons that they will know the appropriate way to respond to every person. Far from retreating to a Christian ghetto to speak only to one another in spiritual shibboleths, believers are to engage their ambient culture with graceful, thoughtful, hopeful conversation. Taken as a whole, 4:5–6 suggests that believers are to share a winsome witness with outsiders by their ways and words. In v. 4, Paul indicates that it is essential, not optional, that he share the gospel; it is incumbent on those who follow in the apostle’s footsteps to do the same.[16]
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. (4:6)
Consistency of life must be followed by consistency of speech. Paul is not speaking here of preaching the gospel, but general conversation. Believers’ speech must always be with grace, as was Christ’s (Luke 4:22). There is no place for those things that characterize the unredeemed mouth. Whether undergoing persecution, stress, difficulty, or injustice, whether with your spouse, children, believers, or unbelievers—in all circumstances believers are to make gracious speech a habit. To speak with grace means to say what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complementary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
The speech of the new man must also be seasoned … with salt. It is not only to be gracious, but also to have an effect. Salt can sting when rubbed into a wound (cf. Prov. 27:6). It also prevents corruption. Believers’ speech should act as a purifying influence, rescuing conversation from the filth that so often engulfs it. Salt also adds flavor, and the speech of the new man should add charm and wit to conversation.
Believers must also know how to respond to each person. They must know how to say the right thing at the right time. In Peter’s words, they must be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15).
The speech of the new man is vitally important: “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2). Unlike the ungodly, who say “Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?” (Ps. 12:4), we as believers should echo the prayer of the psalmist in Psalm 141:3: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”[17]
[1] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Col 4:6). Lexham Press.
[2] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Col 4:6). Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[3] Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (pp. 1568–1569). T. Nelson Publishers.
[4] Leach, S. R. (2010). The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians. In R. N. Wilkin (Ed.), The Grace New Testament Commentary (p. 926). Grace Evangelical Society.
[5] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments (A. Farstad, Ed.; p. 2017). Thomas Nelson.
[6] Anders, M. (1999). Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 8, p. 346). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[7] Utley, R. J. (1997). Paul Bound, the Gospel Unbound: Letters from Prison (Colossians, Ephesians and Philemon, then later, Philippians): Vol. Volume 8 (pp. 56–57). Bible Lessons International.
[8] Woodhouse, J. (2011). Colossians and Philemon: So Walk in Him (pp. 254–256). Christian Focus.
[9] Exell, J. S. (n.d.). The Biblical Illustrator: Philippians–Colossians (Vol. 2, pp. 286–291). Fleming H. Revell Company.
[10] Wright, N. T. (1986). Colossians and Philemon: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 12, p. 157). InterVarsity Press.
[11] Calvin, J., & Pringle, J. (2010). Commentaries on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (pp. 225–226). Logos Bible Software.
[12] Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. (1909). Colossians (pp. 210–211). Funk & Wagnalls Company.
[13] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 87). Day One Publications.
[14] McKnight, S. (2018). The Letter to the Colossians (N. B. Stonehouse, F. F. Bruce, G. D. Fee, & J. B. Green, Eds.; pp. 379–380). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
[15] Bruce, F. F. (1984). The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians (pp. 174–175). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[16] Still, T. D. (2006). Colossians. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians–Philemon (Revised Edition) (Vol. 12, pp. 347–348). Zondervan.
[17] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1992). Colossians (p. 187). Moody Press.
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Scripture readings: Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:5-10
It is not just wrong to cover up your sin. It is also foolish. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper” (Proverbs 28:13). The word ‘prosper’ also means ‘succeed’. It does not work to cover up sins but makes it worse. Suppressing guilt injures you, body and soul. “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer” (Psalm 32:3-4).
You cannot hide your sin from God. “Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man!” (Proverbs 15:11). You need not hide your sin from God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Praise the Lord!
It is not just right to confess your sin. It is also wise. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). David testified, “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
As you prepare your heart to worship with God’s people today, confess your sins to the Lord and know that your sins are forgiven. Ask the Holy Spirit to write the gospel on your heart.
Suggestions for prayer
Thank God for the gospel of forgiveness in Christ. Ask for humility, conviction and courage to confess your sins.
Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
And it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance. (Numbers 15:25)
Because of our ignorance we are not fully aware of our sins of ignorance. Yet we may be sure they are many, in the form both of commission and omission. We may be doing in all sincerity, as a service to God, that which He has never commanded and can never accept.
The Lord knows these sins of ignorance every one. This may well alarm us, since in justice He will require these trespasses at our hand; but on the other hand, faith spies comfort in this fact, for the Lord will see to it that stains unseen by us shall yet be washed away. He sees the sin that He may cease to see it by casting it behind His back.
Our great comfort is that Jesus, the true priest, has made atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel. That atonement secures the pardon of unknown sins. His precious blood cleanses us from all sin. Whether our eyes have seen it and wept over it or not, God has seen it, Christ has atoned for it, the Spirit bears witness to the pardon of it, and so we have a threefold peace.
O my Father, I praise Thy divine knowledge, which not only perceives my iniquities but provides an atonement which delivers me from the guilt of them, even before I know that I am guilty.
Ray Comfort (1949 to present) is a New Zealand-born Christian evangelist, movie producer, and author who currently lives in the United States. Some of his books include: Hell’s Best Kept Secret, Scientific Facts in the Bible, and The Evidence Bible. Comfort is both an evangelist and an apologist with a passion to lead people to Christ. He loves to do question and answer type interviews with everyday people and tries to get the people he interviews to think about the logical implications of their answers on a variety of spiritual subjects. I pray that the following quotes by Comfort will cause you to ponder the seriousness of the gospel message.1
“The more a nation gets into darkness, the more it’s going to hate the light. The more it’s going to run from the light. And we have a generation of people who have given themselves to darkness, and they’ve embraced atheism, because it gets them away from moral responsibility to God.”
“Every song has a composer, every book has an author, every car has a maker, every painting has a painter, and every building has a builder. So, it isn’t irrational to take this simple logic a little further and say that nature must have had a Maker. It would be irrational to believe that it made itself.”
“If you are not concerned about your neighbor’s salvation, then I am concerned for yours.”
“We each need to look into eternity and then ask ourselves what we are offering this generation.”
“Atheists who keep asking for evidence of God’s existence are like a fish in the ocean wanting evidence of water.”
“It is amazing that we hesitate to talk about the wrath of God, for fear of making sinners feel fearful. The fear they feel this side of the grave will be nothing compared to the fear they feel when they stand before Almighty God.”
“Christianity doesn’t offer a smooth flight; it provides a safe landing. The promise of Jesus is not one of happiness, He promises righteousness.”
“The Bible diagnoses the cancer of all cancers and prescribes the cure of all cures.”
“This society in which we live is radically changing. What previous generations saw as evil is now embraced as being good. It is a dangerous and slippery slope upon which we stand when we reject what Solomon called the beginning of wisdom – the fear of God.”
“We need to pray for our nation like never before, and then put legs to our prayers and preach the gospel to a sin-loving and Hell-bound world. To pray for America and at the same time ignore that command to preach the gospel to every creature, is nothing but empty hypocrisy. It is to honor God with our lips and have cold hearts that are far from Him. May He give us a love that moves us from the pews into the streets, and from our homes into our universities. God save us from the cozy comfort of lukewarm contemporary Christianity.”
“Comparing Jesus with history’s greatest of human leaders is like comparing the sun to a flashlight with no batteries.”
“The friendly preacher who fails to warn of the reality of Hell, betrays the Son of God with a kiss.”
“Darwinian evolution is unscientific, unobservable, unbelievable, but understandable in a world that hates God.”
“Either there is a God or there isn’t. Both possibilities are frightening.”
“It is embarrassingly unscientific to speak of anything creating itself from nothing.”
“God’s standard of judgment goes down to the intents of the heart.”
“It’s important to understand that an atheist is someone who believes the scientific impossibility that nothing created everything. Some fundamental atheists will deny this by trying to redefine ‘nothing’ as being ‘something,’ because such a thought makes them look like a fool, which is precisely what the Bible says that they are.”
“Evolution is unobservable. It’s based on blind faith in a few dry bones and on unreliable dating systems in which the gullible trust. Kids should be allowed to make up their own minds about this issue, and not be censored to ‘one side is all we will let you hear.’”
1 All of these Ray Comfort quotes are from the website below:
TOP 25 QUOTES BY RAY COMFORT (of 64) | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)
The post Ray Comfort – Quotes to Make You Think appeared first on Bible Apologetics – A DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
Life often takes me to my knees. Lately, however, I feel as if I’ve barely been able to stand up before it knocks me down again.
I’m learning though, that it is possible to not give up, but to stay low while I catch my breath. All the while, staying as close to God as possible. Fortunately, He’s not concerned with personal space, so He doesn’t mind if I cling to Him constantly and lean on Him hard. In fact, He encourages it!
I’ve been reminded that the Lord is fighting this battle. It feels like it’s all on my shoulders, but I’m trying to let Him take the weight from me.
I imagine you might know what I’m talking about…when the weight of the battle feels like it will crush you. Lean in to Him with me. Let Him strengthen you and protect you. He is fighting the battle!
8 Scripture verses for when you need to remember He is fighting for you…
Exodus 14:14 NLT
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Deuteronomy 1:29-31 NIV
Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 NLT
He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 18:39 ESV
For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Ephesians 6:11-13 NLT
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Hebrews 13:6 ESV
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
By Laura Rath
Used by Permission
• Fight Back -by Mary Pinckney
• Fight Like Jesus Fights – by Jon Walker
• This Day We Fight! – Devotional by Francis Frangipane
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The post 8 Verses to Remember that God is Fighting for You can be found online at Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God.
God is still moving at Texas A&M with ‘No Signs of Slowing Down’ – Hundreds baptized in Corpus Christi
A Texas youth pastor says an outpouring of revival is taking place among college students at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and it shows “no signs of slowing down” as hundreds have already given their lives to Jesus and others are getting water baptized almost daily. Tarik Whitmore, the young adult pastor at New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, told CBN News he is seeing a movement among college students who are getting saved and then boldly proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ with the student body. The result is a campus being transformed for Jesus – and it is happening quickly.
Revival breaking out at Auburn, Hundreds choose Christ and get spontaneously baptized in lake
Thousand of students at Auburn packed out Neville Arena on Tuesday night to worship and praise Jesus, but an impromptu baptism that started with one student wanting to be baptized grew to roughly 200 people who decided to give their lives to Christ.
Map Of ‘Zombie Drug’ Tsunami Consuming America
data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 2023 will be another disastrous year as overdose-related deaths continue rising nationwide. the drug epidemic might be supercharged by xylazine, a horse tranquilizer commonly referred to on the street as “tranq” or the “Zombie drug.” Tranq has been flooding illegal drug markets across the East Coast, working into the Deep South, Rust Belt, and Midwest
The Religion Of Masking
What do burkas, tichels, yarmulkes, hijabs, kapps, fezzes, dukus, and surgical masks all have in common? Religious cultures mandate or strongly encourage these head coverings to comply with dogma. Although most of these are rooted in ethnic and religious traditions of any denomination to reflect humility before G-d and modesty before man, surgical masks have become the morality trend of the Western world for those who fear The Science before they fear any god.
CNN Inadvertently Makes The Case For An Impeachment Inquiry
CNN just reactivated its fact-checking team for a review of the basis for the inquiry. In so doing, the network made an iron-clad argument in support of the decision by Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Armed Man Posing As Federal Agent Arrested At RFK Jr. Event In LA, After Secret Service Protection Denied
The Los Angeles Police Department told The Epoch Times it received a call at around 4:30 p.m. reporting that a male was in front of the event venue with “a badge on their lapel, a gun, and a shoulder holster, and claimed to be a U.S. Marshal.” A spokesperson for Mr. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the incident to The Epoch Times. Mr. Kennedy Jr. had not arrived at the venue yet when the incident occurred.
The public face of China’s military under corruption probe
General Li Shangfu, a veteran of China’s military modernisation drive, rose through the ranks to become defence minister this year. Within six months, he disappeared under the cloud of a corruption probe. part of Xi’s drive to improve his fighting force has been to stamp out corruption that has long plagued China’s military and other state institutions.
Upheavals in Xi’s world spread concern about China’s diplomacy
The disappearance of China’s defence minister, the latest in a string of upheavals in the country’s top ranks, is stoking uncertainty about President Xi Jinping’s rule as an internal security clampdown trumps international engagement. The growing unpredictability could affect the confidence other countries place in the leadership of the world’s second-biggest economy, diplomats and analysts say.
American Library Association Chief Says ‘Public Education Needs To Be A Site Of Socialist Organizing’
Government schools and local libraries should be used for “socialist organizing,” the self-proclaimed “Marxist lesbian” chief of the American Library Association (ALA) proclaimed at a major socialism conference last week. The library boss has also becoming notorious recently for hating on parents, families, Christians and anyone else who stands in the way of indoctrinating children.
Rosh Hashana 2023: World Jewish Population Reaches 15.7 Million
The world’s Jewish population reached 15.7 million over the past year, according to figures published by the Jewish Agency on the eve of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. The number represents an increase of 100,000 over the previous year. With 7.2 million Jews, Israel accounts for 46 percent of the world’s Jewish population, the same percentage as last year. Diaspora communities number 8.5 million.
The Vatican knew about Holocaust, genocide of Jews, WW2 letter reveals
A recently discovered correspondence between Pope Pius XII, who served as Pope during World War II, and a German Jesuit has revealed that Pius knew of the atrocities committed by the Nazis during the Holocaust, according to an article by Italian News Corriere Della Sera published earlier this week. The letter confirmed that Pius was told of the 6,000 Jews and Poles being gassed in Poland every day during the Holocaust. This, according to AP News, has meant that the Holy See’s argument that it couldn’t verify official reports of atrocities to denounce them is invalid.
Anti-racism center comes tumbling down, one-third of employees sacked
A university think tank led by “antiracism” guru Ibram X. Kendi is slashing a third of its workforce, the latest in a string of layoffs to hit left-wing activist groups. The Boston University Center for Antiracist Research is firing between 15 and 20 employees, Semafor reported Thursday.
Building blocks for a police state’
… consider that this report calls for family members to turn in ‘someone they suspect may be on the path of radicalization,’ government funding of journalists to ‘combat misinformation and disinformation,’ and recommends the establishment of ‘mobile advisory centers’ to provide ‘advice and guidance on dealing with right-wing extremism.’” “There can be little doubt that this report provides the building blocks for a police state,” he warned.
Are We Seeing The End Times ‘Peace Accord With Many’ Beginning To Take Shape?
One of the most important international agreements in modern history is being secretly negotiated behind the scenes, and once it is publicly announced it could fundamentally change the geography of the Middle East. he Saudis have floated another plan that might be acceptable to Netanyahu’s government, and it would result in a historic division of the Holy Land. the name “Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine” has lately been suggested in an article published in the Saudi Royal Family-owned news outlet “Al-Arabiya News”, … once the Holy Land is formally divided nothing will ever be the same again.
Archaeologists Are Making Bombshell Discoveries In The Land Of Israel
But it could be argued that the discoveries that archaeologists are making at Shiloh are even more amazing. It would be difficult to overstate the important of Shiloh. Prior to the time of King David, it had been ancient Israel’s most important city for centuries, and it was also the location where the Tabernacle stood… “The city of Shiloh, located in the heart of the Biblical hill country, became the first capital of Israel shortly after the conquest of Canaan around 1400 BC.
Pro-life rescuers found guilty, immediately taken into custody in second DC FACE Act trial
Three pro-life rescuers on trial in the second of two high-profile federal trials concerning an October, 2020 rescue effort at a Washington, D.C. abortion center were today found guilty on all charges and immediately incarcerated. The news comes after five other pro-life activists involved in the same rescue were similarly found guilty on all charges and immediately locked up late last month.
Two California school districts vote to ban LGBT ‘pride’ flags
Sunol Glen School District and Temecula Valley Unified School District are the latest districts banning the display of the rainbow flag on school property. Only the California flag and the American flag are permitted to be displayed.
Hurricane Lee advances on New England and eastern Canada
Fishermen removed lobster traps from the water and residents hauled hundreds of boats ashore — leaving some harbors looking like ghost towns — while utility workers from as far away as Tennessee began taking up positions Friday ahead of Hurricane Lee’s heavy winds, high seas and rain that’s expected to span hundreds of miles of land and sea.
Gut-wrenching death toll from biblical Libya floods soars to 11,300 with 10,100 still missing after storm disaster
THE death toll following Libya’s devastating floods has soared to 11,300, with more than 10,000 still missing.
Canadian School Board Eliminates All Books Before 2008
In one of the most egregious acts of deliberate grooming, the Peel District School Board in Ontario, has removed all books that were not published within the last 15 years. Meaning that any books published before 2008 were removed. They also removed any books that they deemed to have “racist content,” stereotypes, or didn’t affirm students identities.” Even books such as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games were removed.
Why 4 states are cutting ties with the American Library Assoc.
From LGBT-themed books on the shelf to the promotion of Marxism, various concerns have arisen at public libraries throughout the country, prompting some states to sever ties with the American Library Association. The organization opposes the banning of books, including those that some parents deem harmful because they promote pedophilia and sexual experimentation at a young age.
WATCH – ‘God Is Moving’: Hundreds Baptized in Pond at Auburn University
A huge group of people who showed up Tuesday night at Auburn University’s Neville Arena in Alabama left with changed hearts.
Report: Cocaine Set to Replace Oil as Colombia’s Top Export Under Socialist Rule
Cocaine is set to overtake oil to become Colombia’s main export as a result of far-left President Gustavo Petro’s lenient drug policies, according to a report published by Bloomberg on Thursday.
Train car carrying toxic perchloric acid explodes in Nebraska rail yard: Evacuation orders issued for four mile radius as huge plume of smoke fills sky above North Platte
A train carrying toxic perchloric acid has exploded in a Nebraska rail yard, prompting evacuation orders to be issued, as huge plumes are seen engulfing the city.
Giddy IRS Launches AI-Enabled ‘Sweeping, Historic’ Tax Violator Crackdown
Flush with money and new staff, the Internal Revenue Service says it is kicking off what it bills as “a sweeping, historic effort to restore fairness in tax compliance.”
NY Gov. Kathy Hochuls Delivers Devastating News for Vaccinated: “It is Literally a New Vaccine, It is Not a Booster Shot…” Old Vaccine is “Not Protecting You Today”
On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered devastating news for vaccinated individuals. The Governor’s message was loud and clear: the old vaccine won’t protect you from new variants.
Banks canceling coin dealers without explanation, highlighting concerns about digital dollar
A number of coin shop owners in the United States have reported recently that their bank accounts have been shut down without explanation in what some are calling examples of what the future could be like if central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are widely adopted.
A US Bank is Now Denying Customers Access to Money
…Green Dot Bank is now facing fraud allegations from various customers who have been locked out of their account from weeks to months.
Immunisation Agenda 2030: Bill Gates’ latest plan to vaccinate every man, woman and child on Earth
A UN-led global immunisation strategy was launched in April 2021 – the Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030). It unites WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners to focus on vaccination throughout life, from infancy through to adolescence and older age.
Legal counsel for covid vaccine injured presented evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry
Anna Morris KC, representing three groups of vaccine-injured and bereaved family members made their case to the UK Covid Inquiry on Wednesday. The three groups she represents are the UK CV Family, Scottish Vaccine Injury Group and Vaccine Injured Bereaved UK.
9 in every 10 COVID Deaths over the last year have been among the Fully/Triple Vaccinated
Official figures published by the UK Government reveal the fully/triple vaccinated population have accounted for over 9 in every 10 Covid-19 deaths in England over the past year, 91% of all Covid-19 deaths since the beginning of 2022, and 94% of all Covid-19 deaths since the beginning of April 2022.
30 Members of Congress Tell DOJ to Protect Children from AI Exploitation
Dozens of members of Congress are telling the Department of Justice to take action to protect children from the surging advances in artificial intelligence, and the child sexual abuse materials that it creates.
3rd Anniversary of Abraham Accords: Little Progress Under Biden
3 years in, Abraham Accords yield warm peace through robust trade
60 Minutes to air report on protest movement in Israel as Netanyahu heads for US
New letter reveals Pope Pius XII had detailed information on Nazi killing of Jews
World Disappointed by the UN Now Looks Elsewhere for Answers
In ‘unprecedented’ move, Iran bars 1/3 of UN inspectors from accessing nuclear sites
Netanyahu says Iran ‘violating all its commitments’ after it kicks out inspectors
UN nuclear agency slams Iran for barring inspectors from monitoring program
European powers, US warn Iran over unexplained nuclear materials
Iran rails at EU and UK for maintaining sanctions set to expire under nuclear deal
Biden leads new Western sanctions against Iran on anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death
Iran briefly detains Mahsa Amini’s father in crackdown on 1st anniversary of death
Iran says dual citizen arrested for ‘attempted rioting’ on protest anniversary
Chess star who fled Iran after shedding headscarf hails ‘courage’ of protesters
Erdogan says Turkey may part with EU, implying Ankara could end membership bid
Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to defy EU and extend ban on Ukrainian grain imports
GOP Senators to Biden: Send Missiles to Ukraine Now
Top US general doubts North Korean arms to Russia will tip scales in Ukraine war
Russia raises interest rate to 13% as economy struggles
Brazil President: US Economic Embargo on Cuba ‘Illegal’
Chinese Defense Minister Disappears, Possibly Arrested for Corruption
‘A Messy War Scenario’: Mills Says China’s Military Shake-Up Leads to ‘Chaos’
US Intel: China Halts Spy Balloon Program
From commodities to retail, China’s economy is showing signs of life after Beijing’s stimulus frenzy
China’s ticking baby time bomb, corruption, debt will lead to economic collapse
Trump Mocked for Saying ‘Impaired’ Joe Biden Leading US Into ‘World War II’
Researcher Who Called Hunter Biden Laptop Story ‘Disinformation’ Wins Pentagon Contract
Republican Texas AG Ken Paxton is acquitted of corruption charges at historic impeachment trial
George Soros gives at least $300K to network of TikTok activists to praise Joe
Under Musk, Twitter is handing over more data to investigators
Research Group Hit With Cyberattack After Sharing Organ Harvesting Testimony
5.6 magnitude earthquake hits near Port McNeill, Canada
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits the Mid-Indian Ridge
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Kirakira, Solomon Islands
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands region
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Fef, Indonesia
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Lebu, Chile
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near La Serena, Chile
Sabancaya volcano in Peru erupts to 27,000ft
Popocateptl volcano in Mexico erupts to 22,000ft
Ruiz volcano in Colombia erupts to 20,000ft
Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupts to 17,000ft
Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala erupts to 15,000ft
Reventador volcano in Ecuador erupts to 15,000ft
Mayon volcano in the Philippines erupts to 10,000ft
Lee makes landfall with near-hurricane strength in Canada after moving up Atlantic Ocean
Second US death reported as Lee lashes New England with high winds, dangerous waves
With over 10,000 still missing, Libya opens probe into devastating collapse of dams
‘Desert turned into a sea’: Eastern Libya flood survivors recount horror
‘Towns were erased’: Libyan reporters on the ‘horrifying, harrowing’ aftermath of floods
Aid arrives in Libya after catastrophic flooding, but hopes fade for survivors
Libya: Aid groups urge authorities to stop burying flood victims in mass graves due to health risks
Rivalries in divided Libya are set aside as country copes with flood disaster
California goes to war with oil and gas giants over climate change ‘deception’
Battle Over Electric Vehicles Is Central to Auto Strike
UAW Member: I Won’t Vote for Biden Again, EV Subsidies Are Being Used Against Workers
Oil just hit its highest level of the year – and some analysts expect a return to $100 before 2024
Italian island struggles to cope as migrant surge doubles population
New Mexico Gov. Partially Reverses Gun Ban, Narrows Scope to Parks and Playgrounds
Teen driver arrested after 64-year-old retired police chief hit and killed during viral joyride
Three More Pro-Life Activists Found Guilty of Violating FACE Act in Abortion Clinic Blockade
BBC Radio Scraps Irish Singer Roisin Murphy After She Called Out Puberty Blocking Drugs
One-Year-Old Baby Dies From Suspected Opioid Exposure At NYC Daycare Center
Beyond the high: Israeli startup using psychedelics for groundbreaking treatments
FDA Refuses to Change Anti-Ivermectin Statements After Court Ruling
Bashing covid boosters, DeSantis contrasts with Trump and worries experts
No Need to Panic Over COVID Because Most People Have Natural Immunity: Epidemiologist
Do tell: Drs having a tough time distinguishing COVID from colds etc
Eye Opener: Nipah virus outbreak causes shutdowns in India
Here We Go: Nipah Virus Outbreak Prompts Shutdowns and Containment Zones in Kerala, India
Kerala Nipah virus scare: Schools, colleges in Kozhikode switch to online mode
Biohazard tents erected in Dover as alert issued after arrival of migrants from France
There’s a growing sense of caution in the US stock market about the economy as 2023 swings toward its final quarter – and it’s fostering a more defensive approach among investors.
It’s a shift of mood from the first half, when investors cheered the rise of artificial intelligence – and what the groundbreaking technology could mean for productivity and corporate profits.
The S&P 500 share index is on track for its first two-month decline in a year, with investors worrying that a combination of high interest rates, dwindling household savings, and rising consumer debt could bring bad news for stocks and the wider economy.
Among those adopting a more cautious investment approach include Wall Street banks such as JPMorgan and Bank of America. Experts such as John Hussman, the notorious market bear who predicted the 2000 and 2008 crashes, also recently warned of pain ahead for stocks, urging them to “buckle up.”
Here is a selection of the latest market commentary from six top voices who have turned relatively downbeat in their outlooks.
Former President Donald Trump earned a commanding victory in the Family Research Council’s Pray Vote Stand summit straw poll in Washington, DC, on Saturday, receiving 69.3 percent support from the attendees who voted.
Source: Donald Trump Dominates Family Research Council Summit’s Straw Poll at 63.9%
What are the House Republicans waiting for??
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” host Maria Bartiromo that Hunter Biden will get subpoenaed at the right time.
McCarthy on Tuesday announced he is directing House committees to open an impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden.
“I am directing our House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Over the past several months, House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct—a culture of corruption,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy directed House Committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden several days ago yet all of ZERO subpoenas have been issued to Hunter Biden.
Maria Bartiromo blasted McCarthy.
“What about the impeachment inquiry? Will you subpoena Hunter Biden? I mean Don Jr. spent 20 hours – they didn’t have any evidence and yet they brought him in. They question him! How come you haven’t brought in Hunter Biden?” Bartiromo asked McCarthy.
McCarthy punted to his fellow Republicans.
“I don’t subpoena anybody. I let the Committees–” he said. (Crosstalk) “Jim Jordan!”
“I let Committees do the work!” McCarthy said. “Hunter Biden will get subpoenaed, but when’s the appropriate time?”
Maria Bartiromo pushed back on McCarthy and pointed out all of the evidence of Hunter Biden’s influence-peddling scheme involving Joe Biden found on the ‘laptop from hell.’
WATCH:
BREAKING: House Speaker Kevin McCarthy: “Hunter Biden will get subpoenaed, but when’s the appropriate time?” pic.twitter.com/Je8oU0eWRB
— ALX (@alx) September 17, 2023
Last Tuesday Rep. Matt Gaetz threatened to remove Speaker McCarthy for being out of compliance with the agreement that allowed him to assume his role.
“On this very floor in January, the whole world witnessed a historic contest for House Speaker,” Gaetz said in his opening remarks.
Under new House rules, it only takes one member of Congress, from either party, to bring a ‘motion to vacate’ which forces a vote on removing the Speaker of the House.
It would only take a simple majority vote to remove McCarthy. Gaetz this week floated recruiting Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell to help him remove McCarthy.
Rep. Gaetz lambasted McCarthy for not holding a vote on term limits, refusing to release the full January 6 tapes, insufficient accountability for the Biden Crime Family and for advancing Biden’s spending.
Gaetz continued, “If Democrats bail out McCarthy – I will lead the resistance to this uni-party and the Biden/McCarthy/Jeffries government that they are attempting to build.”
Gaetz also expressed his anger over the fact that Hunter Biden has not been subpoenaed yet.
WATCH:
On this very floor in January, the whole world witnessed a historic contest for House Speaker.
I rise today to serve notice. Mr. Speaker, you are out of compliance with the agreement that allowed you to assume this role. The path forward for the House of Representatives is to… pic.twitter.com/1IFsrmT8KK
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) September 12, 2023
The post Maria Bartiromo Blasts Speaker McCarthy After He Says Hunter Biden Will Get Subpoenaed at the Right Time (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
JERUSALEM, Israel – Much of the world calls Israel’s biblical heartland the West Bank, although it is known in Israel as Judea and Samaria. A key highway through this part of the country is the subject of a new film that examines the rich biblical heritage of this road, also known as “The Way of the Patriarchs.”
In the film, Route 60, The Biblical Highway, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo trace this highway that bisects the land of Israel.
The 146-mile road connects modern and ancient Israel from Nazareth, where Jesus grew up to BeerSheva, where Abraham lived and now is home to one of Israel’s high-tech centers.
Read the full story from CBN’s Chris Mitchell:
https://www2.cbn.com/news/israel/route-60-biblical-highway-doc-explores-way-patriarchs-former-top-us-officials
CBN News. Because Truth Matters™
Source: ‘Route 60, The Biblical Highway’: Doc Explores ‘Way of the Patriarchs’ with Former Top US Officials
Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., discusses the condition of the U.S. stock and a potential Biden impeachment on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’ #foxbusiness #cavuto
Source: Mountain of evidence’: GOP rep. lays out Biden impeachment path
Anthony Fauci, the United States government’s former chief coronavirus fearmonger, is among these “wear your mask” diehards. Earlier this month, he was still advising that people wear masks to counter the threat of coronavirus despite the continually growing mountain of evidence that this course is both ineffective in achieving the stated objective and dangerous to one’s health.
With many individuals working in government, media, and medicine trying to stir up fear of new “variants” of coronavirus, expect more calls to “mask up” — as the American Medical Association puts it — and even the imposition of new mask mandates.
In their effort to protect freedom and health in the face of new pressure to wear masks, individuals can look to a statement issued Tuesday by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) for succinct information countering the “wear your mask” demand.
The AAPS statement lays out quickly and clearly that masks threaten multiple medical problems for wearers and fail at preventing the spread of coronavirus. The statement further argues that mask mandates are intolerable because they violate the fundamental medical principle of informed consent. And the statement provides links to supporting evidence.
The AAPS statement concludes with the following:
As masking mandates are contrary to the fundamental medical principle of informed consent, all masking mandates currently in place must be rescinded, and no future mandates should be imposed.
Furthermore, since masking mandates for viral illnesses provide no clear benefits, while creating potential for harm, individuals should be empowered to choose to not observe such mandates that are either currently in existence or that may be imposed in the future.
Entire media LYING about FDA “approval” of new COVID vaccine
https://www.brighteon.com/83374ed6-c8a4-44f5-a812-06c7c88a8b32
The reports are piling up — just like Ukrainian corpses — of Ukraine’s massive losses on the battlefield. A year ago, according to the Telegraph, lhopes ran high in Ukraine about an imminent victory. That celebratory chorus is gone; replaced by a funeral dirge.
As Alina Mykhailova, an officer and paramedic in the Ukrainian Army, spoke about how the killing of her commander had “orphaned” her unit, her pain was palpable.
“On losing this man, whom I loved so much and with whom I had shared so much, I realised that we in the battalion were now all orphans,” she said, wiping away tears while the audience before her struggled to contain theirs. . . .
“Perhaps the biggest difference from 2022 is that so many people have now died,” said Dmytro Natalukha, a Ukrainian MP attending the conference. “One in two people now know somebody who has died in the fighting. I’ve lost count of the number of my friends I’ve lost.”
One officer, speaking off the record, spoke about the toll that attacking across minefields against well-dug-in defenders without air cover had taken on his company. The men replacing those who had fallen, he added, lacked the same level of training and motivation. And, if the war drags on for one or two more years, the strain on Ukraine’s limited human resources could become immense.
This is not an isolated report. Grief over losses is widespread and the Ukrainian casualties soar with each passing day. The following was published in Ukraine by Ukrainian sources:
Of the 100 residents of Poltava, Ukraine, who were sent to the front in the fall of 2022, only 10-20 remained in service
The rest are dead or wounded, the acting head of the regional military enlistment office, Lieutenant Colonel Berezhnoy, said.
The horrific losses are hitting Ukrainians hard. Despite vows to fight to the bitter end or fervent belief in ultimate victory, the mismatch between Russia’s superior firepower and Ukraine’s increasingly desperate attempt to round up new recruits and get more weaponry from depleted American and NATO stores presents Kiev with an impossible task. The following video is representative of the despair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb0OplmqiAY
Rumble version:
The post Ukraine Is Running Out Of Men As Hope Of Victory Fades appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
The foreign-born population of the United States is reaching record highs under the Biden administration.
Those from outside of the country amounted to 46 million people as of 2022, up nearly one million from the year before, according to Census Bureau data reviewed by NPR.
That’s an all-time record in terms of population, and as a percentage of the population.
The overall percentage of the national population that is foreign-born increased to 13.9 percent.
“According to Census Bureau estimates, the total immigrant population grew by almost 30% between 2005 and 2022, climbing to just over 46 million people. Foreign-born Americans made up 13.9% of the U.S. population in 2022, up 1.5 percentage points from 2005.” – @NPR pic.twitter.com/kV5I7Ypnuz
— Shantha R. Mohan, Ph.D., DTM (@ShanthaRMohan) September 14, 2023
The increase in migration has been fueled by the policies enacted by President Joe Biden, many of which re-opened the immigration system after it was throttled during the coronavirus pandemic.
One demographer is pointing to 2022 in particular as a year in which immigration exploded.
“The foreign-born population zoomed up,” William Frey of the Brookings Institution said of last year.
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“The gain in 2022 was as big as the previous four years put together.”
Both migrants who entered the United States legally and those who entered illegally are included in the Census Bureau data.
The United States has broken records for apprehensions at the southern border under Biden’s immigration regime.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimated that nearly 17 million illegal aliens were living in the country as of June, according to Fox News.
The rapidly growing population of foreign-born residents of the United States is likely to diminish economic opportunities for native-born Americans.
The admission of foreign workers to the U.S. labor market has the effect of “redistribut[ing] income” by reducing wages for American citizens, according to a study by immigration economist George Borjas.
Major business organizations have sought an increase in immigration to cheapen the cost of labor for corporations, according to Stephen Miller, who was a senior adviser to former President Donald Trump.
The Chamber of Commerce CEO demands a DOUBLING of immigration + amnesty during the worst border disaster in history, and at a time when the foreign-born population has surged well past a record-breaking 46 million. Chamber is actively working against the core interests of the US. https://t.co/uW2K8QgxeM
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) January 13, 2022
Skyrocketing immigration levels are also likely to further increase housing costs at a time in which the average American is more burdened by rents and mortgages than ever before, according to a study by the Center for Research and Analysis of Migration.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.
The post Biden’s America: Foreign-Born Population ‘Zoomed’ to Record High 46 Million, Census Report Shows appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Host of ‘Life, Liberty & Levin’ Mark Levin discusses the ties between President Biden and AG Garland, concerns about the president’s 2024 run, and his new book, ‘The Democrat Party Hates America.’ #foxnews
Source: AG Garland is the ‘greatest mob attorney the mob could ever hope for’: Levin
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