The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians is a treasure trove of encouragement and instruction for believers. Written to a church facing false teachings, Colossians emphasizes Christ’s supremacy and the practical outworking of faith. In chapter 4, Paul concludes with personal greetings and actionable advice for Christian living. Our focus today is Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV):
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
This passage bridges the prayer closet and the public street, showing that faith is not just private devotion—it is a lived-out witness. Paul urges us to engage wisely with non-believers, make the most of every opportunity, and speak in ways reflecting Christ’s grace and truth. Why does this matter? Because our lives, our actions, and our words are the world’s window into the gospel. As we explore these verses, we’ll unpack key Greek terms, draw from biblical scholars, and apply these truths to our daily lives. From walking in wisdom to seasoning our speech with salt, this is about being intentional ambassadors for Christ.
Walking in Wisdom Toward Outsiders
Understanding "Walk in Wisdom"
Paul begins, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside." The Greek word for "walk" is peripateite (περιπατεῖτε), a common metaphor for how we live our daily lives. It’s about consistent conduct—how we carry ourselves moment by moment. "Wisdom" here isn’t mere intelligence; it’s practical, God-honoring discernment in our choices and interactions.
Who Are "Those Who Are Outside"?
"Those who are outside" refers to non-believers—those not yet part of the body of Christ. In Paul’s day, this distinction was stark: believers were a minority in a pagan world, often misunderstood or maligned. F.F. Bruce observes, “Distorted accounts of Christian conduct and belief were in circulation; it was important that Christians should give no color to these calumnies, but should rather give the lie to them by their regular manner of life.” Our behavior either refutes or fuels misconceptions about our faith.
Why It Matters
Living wisely toward outsiders is foundational to our witness. The Christian life isn’t confined to prayer or church—it spills into the streets, workplaces, and homes where non-believers observe us. If we live foolishly—say, with hypocrisy or harshness—we risk pushing people away from Christ. But wise living can draw them closer. Think of Daniel in Babylon: his integrity and wisdom in a hostile culture opened doors to share God’s truth. Similarly, the early church’s love and courage amidst persecution turned skeptics into seekers.
Practical Steps
Consistency: Align your public and private life. Non-believers notice when our actions contradict our words.
Cultural Awareness: Understand the people around you—what offends, what connects—so your witness is relevant.
Love-Driven Actions: As Paul writes elsewhere, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV). Love is wisdom’s heartbeat.
Reflection: Where in your life can you walk more wisely toward those outside the faith?
Redeeming the Time
Decoding "Redeeming the Time"
Next, Paul says, "redeeming the time." In Greek, this is exagorazomenoi ton kairon (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν). Exagorazomenoi means “to buy up” or “make the most of,” and kairon denotes time or opportunity. Together, it’s a call to seize every moment for God’s purposes, especially with non-believers.
Why This Matters for Witness
Time is fleeting, and opportunities to influence others for Christ can pass quickly. In a world distracted by busyness, Paul urges intentionality. This isn’t about cramming evangelism into every conversation; it’s about being alert to moments where a kind word, a listening ear, or a gospel truth can shine. Imagine a limited-time coupon—you’d rush to use it before it expires. Our interactions are like that: precious and temporary.
Living It Out
Presence: Be fully engaged with people, not distracted by phones or agendas.
Opportunity Spotting: Notice when someone’s hurting or curious—those are doors for Christ’s love.
Intentional Acts: A prayer offered, a testimony shared, or a meal provided can redeem a moment.
In my own life, I once struck up a conversation with a coworker during a coffee break. He asked about my weekend, and I casually mentioned serving at church. That opened a dialogue about faith I’d never have forced. Redeeming the time is about readiness, not pressure.
Reflection: How can you redeem the time with a non-believer this week?
Speech with Grace and Seasoned with Salt
The Call to Gracious Speech
Paul’s centerpiece is, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt." "Speech" is logos (λόγος)—our words, message, or discourse. "Grace" is charis (χάρις), meaning kindness, favor, or God’s unmerited love. N.T. Wright notes, “The word ‘grace’ has the possible double meaning of God’s grace and human graciousness in Greek as in English.” Our words should echo the grace we’ve received from God—kind, respectful, and uplifting.
Unpacking "Seasoned with Salt"
"Seasoned with salt" adds depth. The Greek halas (ἅλας) refers to salt, a multifaceted symbol. In ancient times, salt preserved food, enhanced flavor, and even aided healing. A.T. Robertson says, “Grace and salt (wit, sense) make an ideal combination.” Peake adds, “In classical writers, ‘salt’ expressed the wit with which conversation was flavoured.” Our speech should be:
Preservative: Guarding against corruption or bitterness.
Flavorful: Engaging, wise, and interesting—not dull or sanctimonious.
Healing: Bringing comfort or truth gently.
Think of a bland meal—unappealing and forgettable. Harsh or boring words are the same. Salted speech—gracious yet witty—makes faith attractive.
Grace and Truth Together
Jesus modeled this perfectly. John 1:14 says He was “full of grace and truth” (ESV). Grace without truth lacks substance; truth without grace wounds. Salt can represent truth—preserving and sharpening—while grace softens its delivery. With the Samaritan woman (John 4), Jesus graciously engaged her culture, yet truthfully addressed her sin. With Pharisees, He was sharper, but always purposeful.
Applying It Today
Workplace: A gracious response to a rude colleague can disarm tension and spark curiosity about your faith.
Online: In a polarized digital world, words seasoned with salt stand out—think measured, witty replies over angry rants.
Family: Even in conflict, grace keeps love alive.
William Barclay captures this: “Let your speech always be with gracious charm, seasoned with the salt of wit… It is all too true that Christianity in the minds of many is connected with a kind of sanctimonious dullness… The Christian must commend his message with the charm and the wit which were in Jesus himself.” I’ve seen this work once, a friend’s sarcastic jab at my faith became a playful, grace-filled exchange that softened his skepticism.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Harshness: Truth delivered like a sledgehammer repels.
Dullness: Monotone lectures bore.
Condemnation: Grace lifts; judgment alienates.
Reflection: Where has your speech lacked grace or salt recently? How can you adjust?
Knowing How to Answer Each One
The Goal of Preparation
Paul ends, "that you may know how you ought to answer each one." This isn’t about generic responses—it’s tailored wisdom. Peake writes, “They must strive to cultivate the gift of pleasant and wise conversation, so that they may be able to speak appropriately to each individual (with his peculiar needs).” It’s about readiness and relevance.
Building This Skill
Know Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 urges us to “always [be] prepared to make a defense” (ESV). Biblical truth anchors our answers.
Seek Wisdom: James 1:5 promises God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.
Discern Context: Different people need different approaches—gentleness for the broken, firmness for the defiant.
Jesus excelled here. With Nicodemus, a learned Pharisee, He used deep theology (“You must be born again,” John 3:3). With the Samaritan woman, He spoke simply, meeting her at a well with living water. In Athens (Acts 17), Paul quoted poets to connect with philosophers. Each response fit the person.
Practical Tips
Listen First: Hear their questions or hurts before replying.
Ask Questions: Clarify their views—e.g., “What do you think about faith?”
Trust the Spirit: Colossians 4:2-4 ties this to prayer—Paul sought God’s help for his own words.
Once, a neighbor asked why I believed in God. Instead of a sermon, I asked about his doubts, shared a brief story of God’s work in my life, and left it open-ended. He later said it was the first time a Christian didn’t preach at him.
Reflection: How can you grow in answering others wisely?
Conclusion
Colossians 4:5-6 weaves prayer and practice into a vibrant witness. Walking in wisdom, redeeming the time, speaking with grace seasoned with salt, and answering each person well—these are marks of a faith that shines. Paul’s words remind us that God cares about our quiet devotion and public interactions. From Colossians’ earlier chapters refuting error to this call for lived-out truth, it’s clear that knowledge must become action.
You are not alone in this. The Holy Spirit empowers, and Scripture equips. Pray for wisdom, study God’s Word, and step out boldly. Your life and your words can point someone to Jesus. This week, seize an opportunity to reflect Christ. Speak graciously, season it with wit, and trust God with the outcome. Your witness matters.
