When reading the Bible, we see emphasis placed upon the fact that the entirety of the Bible is truth. David praised the word of God when he said, “The sum of thy word is truth ...” (Ps. 119:160, ASV). Some record it, “Your word is true from beginning to end.” The point is that every word within the pages of the Bible is inspired. It is “God-breathed” and must be respected as such (2 Tim. 3:16-17). In fact, not only do we read Scripture that emphasizes the value of the words used, but we also read Scripture that shows us that the very letters used to form the words are inspired by God.
I know this because when I read Galatians 3, I see where God inspired the apostle Paul to argue for Christ being the promised “seed of Abraham” based upon one letter, the letter “s”! He told the Galatians, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ” (Gal. 3:16).
On four specific occasions, the Bible commands us to respect every word God has inspired men to write. For example, Deuteronomy 8:3 says, “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” Jesus later quoted this verse when He talked with Satan (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4). Solomon declared, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Prov. 30:5). The following verse states, “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6). Therefore, within the Bible, we see emphasis upon God’s word not only from the standpoint of not adding to or taking from the teaching; but also it is emphasized that we must respect every word which is contained within the Bible!
Why make this observation? It is because while some claim they respect the Bible, it is evident that they do not appreciate every word they read within the Bible! Sometimes, this comes from reading too fast, and sometimes this results from being unobservant. Still, either way, the end result is that we miss out on vital truth and deep insight into the Bible when we read without an appreciation for “every word” that proceeds from the mouth of God. I am doing my best to follow my own “advice,” and brethren, I am learning to appreciate God’s word more and more every day!
One brother in Christ has helped me to stop and truly think about the words in the Bible. He has even encouraged me to read aloud to myself to help me comprehend what I am reading. Reading aloud to yourself allows the eyes to see and the ears to hear the words in the Bible. Friend, it works! Another brother in Christ is careful in his sermons to emphasize certain words so that we can get the meaning. I remember listening to one of his sermons on tape where he read from Matthew 15:25, where the Syro-Phoenician woman cried to Christ saying, “Lord help me.” Then, by slowing down, he took the time to ask, “How did she say that? Well, how would you say that?” He then emphasized each word (“Lord, help me”; “Lord, help me”; “Lord, help me”) and showed what happens when we emphasize different words. Try it, and see for yourself!
The point is that every word written in the Bible is essential and has meaning. We must respect the context, observing whether things were spoken under the Old or New Covenants, “to whom” things were spoken, and “why” they were spoken. Yet the way we will know the answer to these questions is by taking note of the very words being used! They are important. God said so.
David wrote that the “blessed man” is the one who “meditates” in God’s word “day and night” (Ps. 1:2). The word “meditate” carries with it the idea of one who thinks, ponders, or carefully considers something. This person does not merely give it a passing glance but stops and truly considers what is being said within the context. We need more people God can call “blessed”! Friends, when the apostle makes an argument based upon one letter in a word (Gal. 3:16), we can be assured that the words are meaningful! Let us resolve to slow down and think carefully about the very words which make up the sentences in the verses of the Bible. It will do us good spiritually and lead us in the way we ought to go (Ps. 119:105).
- The Old Paths, May 21, 2023