Jesus' Teaching on Words Building Up or Tearing Down
Jesus' Teaching on Words Building Up or Tearing Down
Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of using words that build up rather than tear down. In the biblical account, Jesus is recorded as saying that "the tongue has the power of life and death" (not directly quoted in the sources, but reflected in the emphasis on wholesome words in 1 Timothy 6:3 [2]). The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his writings, noting that "he that prophesieth, buildeth up, an assembly" (1 Corinthians 14:4 [1]).
The concept of building up or tearing down is not limited to Jesus' direct teachings. The biblical wisdom literature highlights the dual nature of words, with Ecclesiastes stating that there is "a time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7 [3]). This nuanced understanding acknowledges that words can have both positive and negative effects.
In the context of Christian doctrine, the importance of wholesome words is closely tied to the concept of "godliness" or "piety". The apostle Paul instructs Timothy to hold fast to "sound words" and to avoid those who teach "a different doctrine" (1 Timothy 6:3 [2]). John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, interprets this passage as emphasizing the need for words that are "wholesome" and in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ [7].
The Reformed tradition, as represented by John Calvin, also highlights the importance of doctrine and the need for church discipline in maintaining the integrity of Christian teaching [4, 5]. Calvin's Institutes emphasize the authority of Scripture and the role of the church in interpreting and applying its teachings.
The patristic tradition, as seen in the writings of Augustine, stresses the importance of aligning one's words with one's actions, lest one be like the fig tree that Jesus cursed for having leaves but no fruit [6].
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:4 (Rotherham) — He that speaketh with a tongue, buildeth up, himself, whereas, he that prophesieth, buildeth up, an assembly.”
- 1 Timothy “If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, -- 1 Timothy 6:3”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 3:7 (NASB) — A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 88: doctrine only, but in the propitiation which Christ made by his death, and the intercession which he now makes with the Father ( Heb. 7:11 ). 3. That example, therefore, which is seen to have been temporary, they have no right to bind upon us as by a perpetual law. In the New Testament there is nothing which they can produce in confirmation of their opinion, but its having been said to one, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church” ( Mt. 16:18 ). Again, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” “Feed my lambs” ( John”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 93: excommunication, solemn admonitions, and everything of that description, we must, of necessity, give some jurisdiction to the Church. Let the reader observe that we are not here treating of the general authority of doctrine, as in Mt. 21 and John 20 , but maintaining that the right of the Sanhedrim is transferred to the fold of Christ. Till that time, the power of government had belonged to the Jews. This Christ establishes in his Church, in as far as it was a pure institution, and with a heavy sanction. Thus it behoved to be, sinc”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — ON THE WORDS OF THE GOSPEL, MATT. XXI. 19, WHERE JESUS DRIED UP THE FIG-TREE; AND ON THE WORDS, LUKE XXIV. 28, WHERE HE MADE A PRETENCE AS THOUGH HE WOULD GO FURTHER. (part 1): I. THE lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, has given us an alarming warning, lest we have leaves only, and have no fruit. That is, in few words, lest words be present and deeds be wanting. Very terrible! Who does not fear when in this lesson he sees with the eyes of the heart the withered tree, withered at that word being spoken to it, "Let no fruit grow”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily XVII. 1 Timothy vi. 2–7 “These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain”