What steps can we take to ensure our words about God are accurate? Setting the Scene: God Calls Out Misrepresentation “After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken about Me what is right, as My servant Job has.’” (Job 42:7) The Lord’s rebuke couldn’t be clearer: saying untrue things about Him stirs His anger. Job’s friends thought they were defending God, yet their theology was skewed. That single verse presses us to guard our mouths whenever we talk about the Almighty. Why Accuracy Matters • God’s character is at stake—misrepresentation clouds His glory (Isaiah 42:8). • Our witness hinges on truthful words (1 Peter 3:15–16). • Teachers will “incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1–2). • Every word is subject to divine review (Matthew 12:36). Practical Steps for Faithful Speech 1. Immerse Yourself in Scripture • “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) • Daily reading keeps speculation in check and anchors statements in revealed truth. 2. Handle the Word Correctly • “Do your best to present yourself approved to God…accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) • Learn historical context, original audience, and genre before drawing conclusions. 3. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture • When a passage puzzles you, compare it with related verses (Acts 17:11). • Avoid building doctrines on isolated texts. 4. Refuse to Add or Subtract • “Every word of God is flawless…Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you.” (Proverbs 30:5–6) • If the Bible is silent, admit it. Speculation masquerading as doctrine invites error. 5. Cultivate Humility and Repentance • Job’s friends dug in; Job repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). • When corrected, be quick to acknowledge mistakes and adjust your teaching. 6. Rely on the Holy Spirit • “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Prayerfully ask for illumination before speaking or writing. 7. Seek God-Fearing Counsel • “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Run your conclusions past mature believers to catch blind spots. 8. Speak with Reverent Caution • “If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:11) • Fewer, well-considered words often honor God more than long, speculative explanations. A Heart Posture God Honors • Awe: Recognize His infinite wisdom versus our limited view (Romans 11:33). • Honesty: Admit when you don’t know (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Obedience: Live what you teach (James 1:22), for hypocrisy distorts even accurate doctrine. Putting It into Practice Today • Start each study session asking, “What does the text plainly say?” • Keep a journal of passages that shape your understanding of God’s character. • Before sharing a spiritual insight, trace it to chapter and verse. • Invite accountability—let trusted believers review your words. By weaving these habits into everyday conversation and ministry, we guard ourselves from the error that provoked God’s wrath in Job 42:7 and, instead, speak of Him what is right. |
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