Every Word

Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those

who put their trust in Him.

Do not add to His words,

Lest He rebuke you,

and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 30:5-6, NKJV

Three times--once in the Law, once in the Proverbs, once in the Revelation--we are specifically commanded not to add to the Word of God. In the Epistles, Paul warns of the dangers of accepting any other Gospel than the one that was preached--whether it be him who amends it by preaching or letter, or another apostle, or even an angel from Heaven. Jesus exhorted His followers to be on their guard against false prophets and teachers who would deceive through false signs and lying wonders which they claim will validate their message.

The Psalmist declares that the Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul, more precious than gold, sweeter than honey. He also wrote that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet, and light to our path. He says we should hide God's words in our heart, that we might not sin against Him.

Moses came off the mountain with the Word of God inscribed in stone.

The prophets wrote and spoke the Word of God as the Holy Spirit moved on them.

The apostles penned the epistles as the Holy Spirit breathed within them.

Paul says we should let the Word dwell in us richly. Peter says we should desire it as a babe desires milk from its mother's breast. Hebrews says the Word is living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword; that it divides flesh from spirit, bone from marrow, and reveals the deepest intentions of the heart. James says it is a mirror that reflects the truth in a man. Jesus says the Word is our true source of life, and that we cannot live without it.

The Word of God is faithful and true. He never misspeaks. He never makes promises that He does not keep. He never prevaricates, neither does He amend or explain away what He has said. He can be trusted, for He has always been trustworthy. What God has promised, He will also do. What God has started, He will complete in you. What God has prophesied will accurately and undoubtedly come to pass.

So since the Word of God is so unique and special and powerful and acceptable, we need to be careful how we use it, what we do to it, and what we speak under the claim, "Thus says God." Let us know what the written Word says; let us know what the Living Word says; and let us know that whatever the Spirit says to us now, He will never say anything that contradicts what has been said before. His words will always align with the eternal Word. And ours should too.