How can we ensure our words align with God's truth in Jeremiah 23:35? The Setting in Jeremiah 23 Jeremiah confronted prophets who put words in God’s mouth. In the middle of that rebuke the Lord gave this simple corrective: “Thus you are to say to one another, and to your brothers, ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’” (Jeremiah 23:35). Instead of parroting personal opinions, God’s people were to turn every conversation back to His revealed word. Key Truth: God’s Answer Precedes Our Opinion • The verse assumes God has already spoken. • Our task is not to invent but to relay—asking first, “What has the LORD answered?” • When we quote or apply Scripture faithfully, we speak with divine authority (1 Peter 4:11). • When we substitute feelings or slogans, we echo the false prophets Jeremiah exposed (Jeremiah 23:16). Practical Steps to Align Our Words 1. Search the Word before you speak. • Even brief interactions deserve the filter of Scripture (Psalm 19:14). 2. Quote accurately, not approximately. • Jeremiah’s contemporaries tweaked God’s words; we honor Him by precision (Deuteronomy 4:2). 3. Keep context in view. • A text without its context becomes pretext; Jeremiah’s own message was twisted that way (Jeremiah 26:8–9). 4. Connect speech with obedience. • If we are not living the truth we cite, our words ring hollow (James 1:22, 26). 5. Invite accountability. • Let trusted believers ask, “Where is that in Scripture?”—the very question Jeremiah models. 6. Season every statement with grace. • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). The right verse delivered harshly can still misrepresent God’s heart. Guardrails for Everyday Conversations • Before teaching, texting, or posting, pause: “Has the LORD already addressed this?” • If uncertain, research or remain silent—better to delay than distort (Proverbs 10:19). • Line up illustrations and counsel behind clear passages, not obscure hints (2 Timothy 2:15). • Refuse to manipulate Scripture for personal gain or political spin (Jeremiah 23:30–32). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • “Whoever speaks must speak as one conveying the words of God” (1 Peter 4:11). • “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice” (Psalm 37:30). • “The one who has My word must speak it faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28). • “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Putting It Into Practice This Week • Choose one daily conversation where you intentionally begin, “Scripture says…” and share the exact passage. • During devotions, jot a key verse on a card; weave it naturally into dialogue. • Review social-media drafts for biblical accuracy before posting. • Ask a friend to alert you whenever your language drifts from clear biblical footing. Jeremiah 23:35 reminds us that trustworthy speech starts and ends with, “What has the LORD spoken?” When we echo His answers rather than our own, our words carry truth, power, and life. |
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