TUESDAY May 13, 2025
Wholesome Words
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
The Bible is a wholesome book––it teaches us to live wholesome lives. There is no better way to live. It also guides us to live in accordance with godly principles that teach us how to live godly lives. We are to have a fitting behavior in our call as Christians. Ephesians 4:29 AMP tells us:
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].
The Scriptures display wholesome words––teaching the truth of God. If we obey its doctrine, it will lead us to salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). Those who refuse to listen to the truth as taught in the Bible are described as proud. Paul gave Timothy wise counsel about false teachers who were causing all sorts of problems within the church. They were full of pride. All they wanted to do was argue and dispute about the very teaching of Jesus Christ! Notice, they were destitute of the truth––sad.
Paul revealed the reason why these men wanted people to listen to them; they were only interested in financial gain. They were false teachers whose desire was to fleece the flock of God to enrich themselves. What was Timothy to do in response to such men? He must withdraw himself from them. That would also be wise for us to do.
No greater mischief can happen to a Christian people, than to have God’s word taken from them, or falsified, so that they no longer have it pure and clear. God grant we and our descendants be not witness to such a calamity.”
~Martin Luther~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
