Words of Truth

The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. (Ecclesiastes 12:10 NAS)

Before writing an article, I usually spend a little time pondering on the topic and do a little research. I would google to find anecdotes and personal testimonies for inclusion in the article whenever possible to sustain my readers’ interest and hopefully keep them wanting more. Once in a while, some words I hardly use would come to mind and I would goggle to search out these words to see if they are suitable for the story I am writing.

Many writers providing editorial services know what it means to write on a topic we are unfamiliar with. We search the web to gather as much information as possible on the topic we are paid to write. Yet, frequently we encounter words, content, or terms we used which our customers or hirers deem incorrect, unnecessary, or not meeting their expectations.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher or Teacher was said to have pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs to impart knowledge to his people. He also sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10).

As Christians, we are in a sense like preachers and teachers, called to lead others in the truth. We are urged to do our best and be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as workmen who do not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. God’s word is truth, and we are to be sanctified by the truth and guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth (2 Timothy 2:15; John 17:17; 16:13).

Are we regularly studying the word of God to internalize God’s precepts and truths in our hearts? Are we doing our part to ponder and search out the words of truth in our teachings and writings to ensure they are correct? Are we diligently imparting knowledge of the truth and of Christ Jesus accurately? Are we sharing real personal stories of spiritual triumphs to engage people to want to know more about Christ? Are we paying attention to the Holy Spirit and letting Him guide us on the words to use? 

When we lead fellow believers or reach out to the yet unsaved, we need to be careful not to misrepresent God or His teachings. The Bible warns us that those who teach a different doctrine and do not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and of godly living are conceited and lack understanding. These are the people whose minds are corrupt, and they have been robbed of the truth in thinking godliness is a means to financial gain. Always examine everything carefully and search God’s word to verify the truth (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Acts 17:11).

Forgive us, dear Lord, for our occasional lapses in verifying the truth before leading our fellow believers or reaching out to others. Internalize Your word and precepts in our hearts, Lord, that we might not lack knowledge or understanding to presumptuously teach or write the wrong things. Sanctify us and grant us wisdom to accurately handle the word of truth as we ponder, search out, and arrange the content and words to use in our Christian writings and teachings. Your word is truth, O God, and we will hold fast to Your word and not be ashamed.