Sound Words

Paul knew that words were significant in many ways. He warned Timothy about the importance of “sound words.” The Greek word here is the source of the English word “hygiene.” Paul was showing that in addition to impacting our relationships and attitudes, our words can either foster health or illness.

Paul also said that Timothy was to “retain” the standard of sound words. The Greek word here is ech?. Paul understood how we tend to be like “echoes,” learning from the example of other people and developing behavior in part by mimicking what others say and do.

This is why we need to know the Bible, study its characters and stories, and then know, understand, and apply Biblical principles.

We can imagine how Timothy might have reacted to Paul’s instructions. He could have thought that he didn’t need this reminder, that he already was spiritually mature.

But Paul knew the importance of vigilance and perseverance. We can never assume that we know enough. As he told Timothy, we must recognize that we’ve been given a “treasure”—something special and unique, something life-changing and revolutionary.

We must “guard this treasure,” but we cannot do this on our own. We need the help and power of the “Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (v. 14).

These are important principles for all of us, regardless of how many years we’ve been a Believer. The world around us is filled with alternative lifestyles that can be easy to imitate, patterns that may seem logical and effective, but which, in fact, are contrary to God’s will and will result in forfeiting His blessings.

Today, seek to line up your life with the principles in the Bible. Dedicate yourself to retaining “the standard of sound words.”