October 5, 2026 - Avoid Godless Chatter
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ”
2 Timothy 2:15-16 NIV
Correctly handling the word of truth is difficult if we are not properly understanding the word of truth. The first thing we need to understand is that the word of truth does not contradict itself. So, if we are acting, speaking or teaching something that is not consistent with the rest of the word then we are incorrect. Today when I read godless chatter I think of all the cliches that people say that the bible says that it doesn't. For example:
"God helps those who help themselves."
"Cleanliness is next to godliness."
"God won't give you more than you can handle."
"Money is the root of all evil."
When we say things like this just to have something to say we are indulging in godless chatter. It is better to be silent. The better that we know the word the more likely it is that we will have a proper word of truth.
For example, when someone is going through a difficult time, saying that God will not give them more than they can handle is misleading and a lie. The bible is full of people who God has given more than they could handle. If we can handle everything on our own, we would not need God. Sometimes in those situations the right thing is to say nothing at all but just to listen and love them. But if words are needed, we should see those times as an opportunity to point people to God with scripture. Or scripturally sound advise. For example
Isaiah 41:10 –
10So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Instead of quoting scripture we can share a word of truth by saying that God is present with them, and will strength, and support them when their own strength runs out.
Matthew 11:28–30 –
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites you to hand over your exhaustion and burdens instead of pushing through alone.
Psalm 34:18 –
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Assure them that God draws near to comfort those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 –
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Remind them that God is the source of all comfort, meaning no pain you face is outside His care.
Psalm 55:22 –
22 Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shake
Encourage them to cast their cares onto the Lord, trusting Him to sustain them day by day.
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