Words of Delight
We are surrounded by words. From movies and social media to magazines and books, our lives are permeated with messages that seek to influence our thoughts and actions. Most of us accept this without question, but I would challenge you to stop for a moment and consider what God has to say about what you are consuming.
The book of Ecclesiastes reveals God’s design for what we read and consume. Beginning in the first verse, Ecclesiastes is declared to be about the words of the Preacher, and then, in 12:10-12, it closes with a statement about the words of the Preacher. Everything in between is the result of our lives if we miss the words— vanity.
Now, what are the words, you may be asking? Chapter 12, verses 10-12 clarify: “The Preacher sought words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything but these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
The words which are to rule our lives are defined as being delightful, true, and wise. When our hearts and minds are fixed on such things, we will find life and peace in abundance (Proverbs 1:33). God wants us to listen to music that glorifies Him and leads us to a deeper knowledge of the truth. He wants us to read books that are full of wisdom and build character. Most importantly, He wants us to study and know His Word so that we might know Him deeply and be a light to the world (Acts 13:47).
If we miss this and instead fill our minds with the corrupting and deceitful messages of the world, we will become worn out and easily enticed to sin. This is sadly evident within most churches and schools today. As children and adults alike mindlessly consume whatever is “popular” or pleasing in their own eyes, families are being destroyed and veneration for truth and wisdom is becoming obsolete.
We must begin to change the culture by choosing for ourselves whom we will serve, either God or man. If God, for our good and his glory, it is time to forsake the sinful influences of the world and pursue “whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Philippians 4:8).
-Elijah Waycaster