Bible Students

Thoughts on “War of Words” by Tripp (chapters 1-2)

This week’s reading covered the importance of words in the relationships between people, eachother, and God. Everyone uses words, but often words are used apart from their intended design. Words were designed by God for good, but people use them for evil against one another and against God. In fact, speaking originated with God Himself. There is a war of words fought every day between individuals. Talking can be used for good, but talking often turns into a complicated struggle in everyday life. However, there is a way out from the war of words. 

Words are powerful and have high value. This is because God has given words value and has designed them according to His good plan. God designed words to be used to represent Himself first, and then to be used by His creation to reflect back who He is. People, who were good, were to be like God and reflect His character through the use of their words. However, this is obviously not the only things words are used for today. When words are taken out of the plan and intention of God, they are used for evil. The war of words originated in the Garden of Eden when the snake approached Eve. The snake was the first being to use words against God, and the very gift He had given to them was used for evil. Even before this, though, words were used for good. 

The first use of words to humans is by God Himself. To speak was the highest revelation of who God was. His words showed who He was, confirmed in the idea of the Word of God being a perfect reflection of Him. God’s words are used to give definition to things, both inside and outside the Garden. His words give true definition, labeling things as good and evil. Humans can either confirm this declaration of God or rebel against it. Often, humans choose the latter. This is especially true when God’s words are used to define who people are. In the Garden people were declared to be good. However, even in the Garden narrative, the words of Adam were used to accuse his own wife and define her as the problem in the garden. 

Words are often used to accuse, rather than to help. Humans speak and pronounce judgment on eachother as if they were God, rather than using His own words for His purposes. Often people allow their thoughts to run without checking them, and allow them to think evil things, secretly pronouncing judgment on others. Every Christian should ask if the thing they are about to say is confirming to or rebelling against God’s words about humanity. If Christians would ask themself this I believe much of the strife and division would cease between Christians and much of the false unity between righteousness and sin would be unveiled. Much of the false speech which Christians must watch for is involved in passing the blame to another person. James and Proverbs, additionally, are two books which especially touch on the danger of the tongue. 

The tongue can be a serious fire and poison, but it can also be a great tool to confirm God’s blessing on people and creation. I believe the notes about conforming oneself to the declaration of God’s words is especially important today in an age when humans say so many things, specifically to strangers online, seemingly without any repercussions.