Colossians 4:6

4 Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

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

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
KJV
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
WEB
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
ASV
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.
DARBY
[Let] your word [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, [so as] to know how ye ought to answer each one.
BLB
Let your⁺ word [be] always in grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how it is necessary for you⁺ to answer each one.
ÅB
Deres tale være alltid tekkelig, krydret med salt, så dere vet hvordan dere bør svare enhver.
OTB
La deres samtale alltid være full av nåde, krydret med salt, så dere vet hvordan dere skal svare hver enkelt.
B1930
Eders tale være alltid tekkelig, krydret med salt, så I vet hvorledes I bør svare enhver.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

    Read in context
  • 1 Peter 3:15

    But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

    Read in context
  • Ecclesiastes 10:12

    The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

    Read in context
  • Mark 9:50

    Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 15:4

    A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 15:7

    The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.

    Read in context
  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 22:17–18

    Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge—

    Read in context