Think, Don't Stomp

January 20, 2025

Wisdom shouts in the street,
She gives forth her voice in the square;
At the head of the noisy streets she calls out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings…
Proverbs 1:20-21

Scripture plainly states that the clear voice of wisdom is not hard to hear. Through His Spirit, His word, and His people, true wisdom is proclaimed constantly and with consistency. People might not listen very well, or they might plug up their ears out of obstinance, but wisdom is being broadcast everywhere, all the time.

It stands to reason that those who oppose the wisdom of God do their best to drown out the voice of wisdom. There is undoubtedly a concerted effort in our world today. Media and the academy platform these positions. Well-structured, logically consistent arguments are often absent. In lieu of reason, they utilize a cranked-up volume and an emotionally charged lexicon. Disagreement in whole or in part is labeled as hate.

Much could be said about the cultural, social, and political reasons why this happens. But reduce it down to its base elements and the reason for the artificial amplification is clear: if you can’t argue - yell.

Consider the toddler. When dissatisfied, he often repeats the same phrase over and over again. For effect, he might add in some percussion by stomping a foot or slamming a toy. He clearly has an opinion. But it is hardly sophisticated. And (let the reader understand) more noise won’t sway a good parent.

There is no denying the toddler feels something. He probably has thoughts, opinions, and perspectives that are real to him. But you can’t have a conversation when there is only red-faced shrieking.

Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot wills. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
James 3:4-5

This is all true for adults who do the same thing. Perhaps it is even more severe, as adults demonstrate the willful abandonment of the kind of emotional and intellectual maturity that is at least hypothetically present. In person or online, all caps, profanity laden, or slogan chanting tactics are smoke and not heat. Again, if you can’t argue – yell.

Civilized people ought to do better. In particular, those who claim Jesus must do better.

The law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of Yahweh are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of Yahweh are true; they are righteous altogether.
Psalm 19:7-9

Doing better means reasoning, conversing, and arguing according to the wisdom of the Lord. The Christian has at his disposal the deep well of God’s truth, which comprehensively addresses each and every situation that might be considered. The Spirit illuminates the scriptures. Christ draws His people together for refinement.

Screaming and stomping don’t glorify the living God or do anything to change minds. Parroting political talking points, emotive theatrics, and drive-by “hot takes” aren’t helpful, either.

What does the Bible say about what you’re thinking? Any and all Christians must have this editorial checkpoint in their analysis. If one doesn’t do this, he might be saying that the wisdom of the Bible doesn’t apply to this situation. In that case, there is implicit idolatry being committed with some other source of authority. He also might be purposefully avoiding the wisdom of the Bible because he knows it will contradict the point he really wants to make. Here, there is a third commandment violation. He claims to bear the name of Christ but does so in vain: he sheds it when it is not convenient.

Practically, what does all this mean?

·       Run what you’re saying through the filter of scripture: not one proof-text, not one phrase taken out of context. God’s word is the revelation of His glory and redemptive work. But it also communicates His law for all people.

·       Measure your words twice and speak them once. Is it worth saying? Is it being said for the right reason? Does it not only comport with Biblical truth, but also accomplish a God-honoring purpose?

·       Resist the urge to toss little half-baked concepts into the world. On social media or at family gatherings, if you can’t say something worth articulating fully don’t say anything at all.

·       Listen to your brothers. Spiritually disciplined, intelligent people sometimes come to different opinions. This does not mean that both are right. But it might mean that you aren’t right this time.

·       Does it point to ultimate truth? Not every discussion about economics, immigration, or sports needs to be a gospel presentation. But if someone peels back the layers of your argument, will the reality of the risen and reigning Christ be undergirding all of it?

Christians should be known for loving our God and loving our neighbors. But Christians, privy to the fountainhead of wisdom, should also be known for reasoning well. The gospel is about salvation, but it is also about the kingdom. The kingdom has a king and this king has laws. Since this king is sovereign over all creation, those laws cover everything from gravity to personal property, the sanctity of life to the reliability of mathematics. In sum: His word is truth. As saved sons of this king, we serve Him well by thinking truth well and speaking truth well – no stomping required.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2