The Sermon on the Mount: Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, by what will it be made salty? It is good for nothing any longer except to be thrown outside and^[a] trampled under foot by people. ¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city located on top of a hill cannot be hidden, ¹⁵ nor do they light a lamp and place it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

¹¹ “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you! Nevertheless know this: that the kingdom of God has come near!”^[a]

The Gospel’s Power for Salvation

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For the righteousness of God is revealed in it from faith to faith, just as it is written, “But the one who is righteous by faith will live.”^[a]

Further Advice for the Christian Life

² Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving, ³ praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also I am a prisoner^[a], ⁴ so that I may reveal^[b] it, as it is necessary for me to speak. ⁵ Live with wisdom toward those outside, making the most of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how it is necessary for you to answer each one.

¹⁴ But even if you might suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their intimidation or be disturbed,^{[a] 15} but set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for an accounting concerning the hope that is in you. ¹⁶ But do so with courtesy and respect, having a good conscience, so that in the things in which you are slandered, the ones who malign your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it^[b], than for doing evil.