Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Scrabble Syndrome
They read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. — Nehemiah 8:8
A contender at the 2005 World Scrabble Championship Finals in London said mathematics and a good memory are necessary to win, but not a good vocabulary. A New York Times journalist described the event as “a time when language divorced itself from meaning” because a champion may create a high score using obscure English words such as zobo and ogive without knowing their meaning.
All of us are susceptible to what might be called “The Scrabble Syndrome” — using words to win religious arguments without understanding and demonstrating their meaning. Bible verses can become weapons against those who disagree rather than life-altering truths to be lived.
During a critical period in Israel’s history, Ezra instructed the people and was assisted by others who “read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (Neh. 8:8). As the people grasped what they heard, they had a deep sense of sorrow for their sins, followed by a joyful response to God’s mercy (vv. 9-11).
Biblical words divorced from meaning undermine our relationship with God and others. Understanding with obedience brings wisdom, repentance, and joy. — David McCasland
God’s Word, when it is understood,
Can keep us free from strife;
And when obeyed, it brings us joy
And nourishes our life. — Sper
READ: Nehemiah 8:1-12
Knowing God’s Word should result in obeying God’s Word.