The Scrabble Syndrome

Read: Nehemiah 8:1-12

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

The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 32-33
Colossians 1

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 from from strife;
And when obeyed, it brings us joy
And nourishes our life. --- Sper

KNOWING GOD'S WORD SHOULD RESULT IN OBEYING GOD'S WORD.