"Can somethingtastelessbe eatenwithoutsalt,Oris thereanytastein the whiteof an egg?
"Does not the eartestwords,As the palatetastesits food?
"I have heardmanysuchthings;Sorrycomfortersare you all.
"For the eartestswordsAs the palatetastesfood.
"Howpainfulare honestwords!But whatdoes your argumentprove?
"Is thereinjusticeon my tongue?Cannotmy palatediscerncalamities?
"Does the wilddonkeybrayover[his] grass,Ordoes the oxlowoverhis fodder?
"My soulrefusesto touch[them]; They are like loathsomefoodto me.
Howsweetare Your wordsto my taste![Yes, sweeter] thanhoneyto my mouth!
Everygrain offeringof yours, moreover, you shall seasonwith salt,so that the saltof the covenantof your Godshall not be lackingfrom your grain offering;with allyour offeringsyou shall offersalt.
"You are the saltof the earth;but ifthe salthas become tasteless,howcan it be made salty[again]? It is nolongergoodfor anything,exceptto be thrownout and trampled under footby men.
"Therefore,saltis good;but ifevensalthas become tasteless,with whatwill it be seasoned?
Let your speechalwaysbe with grace,[as though] seasonedwith salt,so that you will knowhowyou shouldrespondto eachperson.
