"Salt"

“Salt”

Have you ever wondered where the phrase “worth one’s salt” comes from? The saying first appeared in an 1805 report of a foreign expedition but the concept goes back to the days of Imperial Rome when soldiers were paid so they could purchase salt. It has come to mean worth one’s salary or contributions to some cause. (Similar expression such as “worth one’s weight in gold” and “worth one’s while”, or time, have filtered down over the centuries.)

Salt has been a valuable commodity throughout history as a preservative but became less so with the invention of canning and refrigeration. In ancient times it was employed as an antiseptic to protect from infection (infants were rubbed with it for this purpose—see Ezekiel 16:4). It was also a requirement for the Israelites’ sacrifices (“…add salt to all your offerings….”—Leviticus 2:13) and was spread on conquered territories as a method and representation of destruction (see Judges 9:45). But even some 3500 years ago it was utilized (as it is today) to enhance the flavor of food (“Is tasteless food eaten without salt…?”—Job 6:6). And in its commercial form it’s spread on icy roads to make them more passable (which wreaks havoc on cars’ paint jobs and undercarriages—I know this well from personal experience).

Since salt was so familiar in Bible times God used it symbolically in His Word. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said to His listeners, “You are the salt of the earth”. He likely had several factors in mind. First, that they’d be used to preserve His truth from corruption. Next, that they’d be His instruments through whom His message spreads and penetrates people’s hearts, much as salt in boiling water spreads then is absorbed by the pasta or other dish being prepared. Finally, they’d make Him appealing to those around them. By all these means they would “…glorify (their) Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

The Apostle Paul brings another dimension as he challenges his readers to, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6, emphasis added). Here he moves from a general lifestyle of godliness to being specific about our words. A decade or so earlier our Lord’s brother had sounded a strong warning about the impact of careless speech (see James 3). While “salty language” is a worldly euphemism for swearing, Paul is saying just the opposite. It’s to be attractive, appealing and accepting while “…speaking the truth in love….” (Ephesians 4:15). This can open doors to productive discussions surrounding God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness.

So while we’re enjoying our pretzels, popcorn and soy sauce let’s think of how God can use our “saltiness” to make Him look good before a needy world.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan