Good Morning,
Please join me for a daily scripture break.
Ephesians 5:6:
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
A well written thought is like a precise surgical instrument; it poignantly extracts the meaning of an idea or sentiment from the heart and imprints all that it embodies in the mind and conscience of the human sojourner. Take heed to this verse because our world is chock full of deceivers. They spew “empty words” of treachery, deceit and mischievous contempt: all calculated to misdirect its receiver. “Empty words" are not without purpose but never filled with joy, hope, and love. I would characterize “empty words” as words stacked like a house of cards with no foundation in truth, knowledge, understanding or wisdom. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This is a great example of what “empty words” are not.
So, how do we identify and circumnavigate these potholes of enmity? Hebrews 4:12 guides us to this unescapable conclusion that “...the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Empty words are dull, lifeless, and result in oppressive burdens of the heart.
Let’s examine “empty words” a little closer. Here are some characteristics of "empty words.”
1. Their purpose is to deceive.
2. They lack truth, understanding, wisdom and knowledge of good.
3. They portray a false narrative often through the use of flowery language thereby confusing the recipient of the underlying deception.
4, They engender mistrust, disloyalty, skepticism, immorality, and a heaping dose of obfuscation.
5. They never lead you to Jesus.
6. They are uttered by those who oppose the Lord.
7. They are often utilized to manipulate the receiver’s faithfulness to God against them for the benefit of the offender.
The Bible frequently presents a good verses evil theme contained in many of its verses. This scripture premise identifies the evil succinctly and the consequences awaiting the offenders.
Please a take moment and review these foundational scriptures about the dangers of “empty words."
Colossians 2:8 - "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
I Timothy 4:1 - "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,…”
James 1:16 - "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”
James 4:4 - "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Matthew 12:34-37 - "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Be ever vigilant to keep a watch over the words you use and be an astute decipher of the “empty words” of the world.
Have a blessed day.
Peace and be prepared.