Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt of the land, but if the salt becomes foolish, with what will it be salted?  Its strength is nothing, but to be cast out and walked on by humans."  Because Holy Wind Living Breath New Testament is a very literal translation, one occasionally reads passages in which seemingly discordant words appear.  In this familiar verse, we expect the salt to become "tasteless" or perhaps "insipid" or other synonyms for what salt becomes if its flavor could disappear.  In Authentic Teaching of Jesus, quoting HWLB, the salt "becomes foolish."  This is simply very literal and consistent translation.  And, it provides some insight into what Jesus means by salt.  Yes, as some note, those who attempt to live Jesus' teachings add flavor to human society. Others observe the preservative nature of salt.  But, there is also an implied sense of salt as wisdom or reason since, to become less salty, is to become more foolish.  One moves from being the "salt of the land" to becoming that part of the land which humans walk on.  That is, we become superficial and shallow, adding nothing to the larger world around us.