It only makes sense to say something that you don’t mean when the meaning of what you say makes no sense.
Sometimes, Tiny Words are hard to understand. This one; however, isn’t one of those.
Words should always have meaning. Once spoken, words don’t disappear. They live in the memories of those that heard them. You can’t take them back.
Does that mean you shouldn’t say things that would be considered “frivolous” or “lighthearted”? Indeed not… those are sometimes the most meaningful spoken words.
Take for instance today’s Bible reading from Amos. While they appear to make no sense, almost as if they’re an unsolvable riddle–designed to make you scratch your head. But, of course, that is not the case. The word of God always has meaning.
In Amos, you have to look at the context of what God is saying through the voice of the prophet. Basically, God is telling Israel that they have not been listening. He had sent numerous prophets for their very privileged benefit yet they refused to abide in His words. In verses 3-6, God explains (that sounds odd that God is explaining His actions) but, out of love for them, He shares His logic so they’ll know where the impending destruction comes from. Israel should have listened…
Back to Tiny Words… Be truthful. Be clear. Be concise. Well, that last one might be difficult for some, including the author. 🙂
As the old saying goes, ‘Say what you mean… mean what you say.’.
Amos 3 : 3 – 6
3 Do two walk together
unless they have agreed to do so?
4 Does a lion roar in the thicket
when it has no prey?
Does it growl in its den
when it has caught nothing?
5 Does a bird swoop down to a trap on the ground
when no bait is there?
Does a trap spring up from the ground
if it has not caught anything?
6 When a trumpet sounds in a city,
do not the people tremble?
When disaster comes to a city,
has not the Lord caused it?