Words, Words, Words

In Acts II: Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Polonius asks, “What do you read, my lord?” to which Hamlet replies, “Words, words, words.” Are words of any value? Back when telegraph companies charged per number of words, people had to be succinct and selective in their words. Today, we come across so many words from so many people, we can wonder if they do any good. Unlike ages past, the overwhelming majority of individuals can publish their own words across the world instantly. It is tempting to release whatever words feel good to us out into the universe without much discernment; however we must be reminded that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” (Prov. 18:21).

Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt. 12:37). Jesus charges us to consider our words carefully for they will factor into whether we are saved or lost. Words can heavily influence others; thus, the words we speak can also be a factor in the eternal destinies of others. Paul charged his preacher student, Timothy, saying, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16). The words of Jesus are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63). Those who continue in His word are set free from sin by the truth and are truly His disciples (Jn. 8:31-32).

            However, words can also lead individuals astray. If the Gospel contains words by which men are saved (Acts 11:14), then to vary from the words of eternal life spells condemnation. The curse of God is on anyone who teaches a different, perverted message from the true Gospel (Gal. 1:8-9). Those who love lies and practice falsehood are headed to hell (Rev. 21:8; 22:15). That we stay with the true words of God is of supreme importance, for, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9).

            Public teachers of God’s word shall receive a stricter judgment because of the amplified sway they exercise over others through their teaching (Jas. 3:1). Some false teachers teach out of mercenary interests, being more interested in fleecing the sheep than leading them to eternal life; however, God’s judgment is awaiting them for their deceptive words (2 Pet. 2:3). False teaching hinders people from obeying the truth (Gal. 5:7). Those led astray into false doctrine can fall from God’s grace (Gal. 5:4).

            Let us examine our words to discern whether they come from a heart thoroughly led by the Word of God. Our words should echo God’s words, as Peter says, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). What one says, whether in preaching, teaching, or in a personal conversation regarding the proper course to follow should be as God says it. Too often men are prone to push God’s word into the background in order to give their take on things. How dangerous! Are we so eager for the opinions of men that God cannot get a word in edgewise? Our determination should rather be, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20).

– Mark Day