“The Consequences of Stolen Words”

The Bible speaks often of stealing. In its various forms, the word ‘steal’ appears 44 times in the Bible (not to mention other similar words such as rob, covet, etc.).

There is an interesting passage in Jeremiah involving this idea of stealing. As with other such thoughts, this one condemns the thief. However, what makes the passage so interesting is the object said to be stolen and the one who did the stealing. The object was God’s words, and the thieves were those who claimed to be prophets. The passage reads: “Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbor” (Jer. 23:30).

When considered in our modern setting there are still those claiming to be ‘prophets’ who “steal” God’s words. They can be seen on television, heard on the radio and read from in print media. They claim to be spokesmen for God, yet their teachings are foreign to His Word. Since they substitute their own words they, in essence, steal God’s. The results of such actions are devastating, for they endanger the souls of those who would hear and follow their teachings.

Numerous are the false prophets of our day. Sadly, they convince many to follow them, to the detriment of their souls. Peter said of them: “…who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” (2 Peter 2:1-2). The condemnation of God rests upon those who “steal his words”.

“THINGS MONEY CAN BUY”

Money can buy you a soul that is spiritually bankrupt: Prov. 11:4 – Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.

Money can buy you a heart of hatred: Prov. 15:17 – Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,
Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Money can buy you a tongue that lies: Prov. 21:6 – The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.

Money can buy you a pocketbook of insecurity: Prov. 23:5 – Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.

Money can buy you possessions that decay: Prov. 27:24 – For riches are not for ever; and doth the crown endure unto all generations?

Money can buy you an eternal home apart from God: Prov. 28:20 – A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

Money can buy you an eye of covetousness: Prov. 28:22 – He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

Money can buy you a life with no purpose: Prov. 30:8 – Remove far from me falsehood and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil. Which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” ~ 1 Tim. 6:10

“THE IRONY OF EXCUSES”

A man was asked by a second man if he could borrow his lawnmower; the first man replied ‘No, I am baking a cake’; to which the second man stated, ‘what does baking a cake have to do with my borrowing your lawnmower’? The first man replied, ‘nothing, but when you need an excuse; one is as good as another’.

So likewise for the half-hearted disciple. God invites him to commune every week on Sunday, but he “has a cake to bake”. What does baking a cake have to do with worship? “Nothing, but when you need an excuse, one is as good as another.

Speaking of excuses for not assembling for worship; one is ‘as good as another’. The irony of excuses is seen when the same person uses opposite reasons to hide the truth about why he couldn't assemble to worship. The same person has been known to say one thing on one occasion, and the opposite thing on another occasion. 

For example, on one occasion, a man said:

· “I had a hard week at work” … but said on another occasion... “I needed to work”.

· “I had relatives show up” …  but said on another occasion... “I went to visit relatives”.

· “I’m sick and couldn't go out” … but said on another occasion... “it was such a beautiful day; I went out”.

·  “I went last week” … but said on another occasion... “I’ll go next week”.

·  “I overslept” … but said on another occasion... “I slept in”.

·  “I was on vacation” … but said on another occasion... “I need a vacation”.

Truly, “...wisdom is justified of all her children.” (Matt. 11:19; Lk. 7:35).