What does it mean to be the salt of the earth?

Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 5: Salt has several uses: (1) At the time of Christ, salt was used as a preservative to kill bacteria and retard spoilage. The Christian should have a preserving type of influence. (2) Salt is used to add flavor. Christians are to add life and flavor to people’s lives. We’re to make every experience “taste” better because of our presence. (3) Salt creates thirst. Christians should create a thirst within others to know Jesus Christ. (4) Salt prevents infections from setting in. Christians are to have an antiseptic effect on the open sores of the world. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 5:13, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.