Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 5:13-16

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do [men] light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 5:13-16 (ASV)

You are the salt of the earth. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, was like a vast heap, ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. If they are not what they should be, they are like salt that has lost its savour. If a person can take up the profession of Christ and yet remain graceless, no other doctrine, no other means, can make them profitable.

Our light must shine, by doing such good works as people may see. What is between God and our souls must be kept to ourselves; but that which is naturally open to the sight of people, we must strive to make suitable to our profession, and praiseworthy. We must aim at the glory of God.