Proverbs 22:19

Are you thankful for words? The smallest part of language that conveys meaning? The certain words of truth, bringing wisdom and knowledge, are necessary to know and believe God. They communicate the excellent things He has prepared for His elect (I Cor 2:1-16). God had taught Solomon the importance of words, so this wise king reminded his readers to consider the great gift he gave them – certain words of truth (Pr 22:17-21).

Specific words are also necessary to properly answer questions (Pr 22:17-21). Christians are to give a reasonable answer for their hope in God to those who ask, and a reason requires an intelligent and logical use of words (I Pet 3:15; I Sam 12:7; Is 41:21; Acts 24:25). Luke wrote two treatises of many words to a noble Greek man named Theophilus to prove the gospel facts about Jesus Christ and his apostles (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-4).

God chose to communicate to His elect children by words. He could have created music videos, an elaborate picture book with heartwarming scenes, warm and fuzzy feelings by dramatizations, chanting in Arabic, mumbling in Hindi, Charismatic tongues, or a special food to convey truth. But He chose the teaching of His inspired words (Deut 4:1-19; 6:4-9; 8:3; 11:18-21; 12:28-32; 17:18-20; 18:18-19; 27:1-3,8,26; 28:14; 29:19-20,29).

Trust in the Lord is not by feelings – it is by faith, which comes before feelings, and faith is usually contrary to feelings. Your heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9-10), and you must believe this indictment to be saved from that internal liar (Pr 28:26; 26:12). Instead, put all your confidence in God’s written revelation and reject anything that contradicts it, whether it comes from within you or outside you.

The Bible has the words of God, preserved nearly 4000 years (Ps 12:6-7; Is 30:8; Matt 5:18; I Cor 2:13; 14:19; I Tim 4:6; 6:3; II Tim 1:13). Each word is necessary for man to live the life of faith (Deut 8:3; Luke 4:4). Jesus and Paul argued from single words (Matt 22:32,43; John 8:58; 10:35; Gal 3:16; 4:9; Heb 8:13). God will judge the publishers and readers of modern versions that alter, delete, and add words (Pr 30:5-6; Rev 22:18-19).

The best foundation for truth and faith you can ever have is the Bible, which is more sure than God’s own voice from heaven in the presence of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elijah, and your two best friends. This is what Peter wrote about his experience on the mount of transfiguration (II Pet 1:16-21). With the words of God to direct your thoughts and steps through life, you are fully set to be a world conqueror (Ps 119:105; Rom 10:17; I Jn 5:4).

Bible preaching is plainly described in the Bible, and it is nothing like the feel-good, rah-rah pep talks of seeker sensitive pastors (Neh 8:8). There are three steps: read the words, explain the words, and apply the words. You do not need intermittent chords from the organ, flannel graph figures on a board, an interpretive dance, a WWJD bracelet, or a chalk drawing. Preach the word, Paul charged (II Tim 4:1-2). How? By preaching words!

God’s elect love such preaching. The Holy Spirit praised the Bereans for being nobler than the Thessalonians. Why? Because they received such preaching with a ready mind (Acts 17:11). Jesus told His apostles they were blessed for hearing His words (Matt 13:16-17). So they in turn taught the words of truth to others (Acts 5:20; 10:22; 13:42; 26:25). Are you thankful for sound Bible preaching of words? Not many are (II Tim 4:3-4)! It is a good day and a great blessing when the words of truth are made known to you.