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the purpose of toning down something very serious. The serious cases mentioned above may not have just learning disabilities but also judgmental disabilities. They may exaggerate things or make quite wrong decisions if left to themselves. Persons who simply have difficulties with language learning may not do this. An innocuous (inoffensive) word used to avoid saying something bluntly is known as a euphemism. Going now back to Scripture it may be mentioned that genealogies (lists of names) may be a source of unprofitable attention as Paul says: "Enjoin some not to... turn their minds to fables and interminable genealogies, which bring questionings" (1 Timothy 1:4). It should be noted that the genealogies are interminable. They lead nowhere. However, the genealogies in the Gospels lead, on in Matthew, to Christ; and in Luke, back to the source (God). Similar genealogies are found in 1 Chronicles and other passages. What this means is that we should always remember "The end of what is enjoined is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). It is not "vain discourse" (1 Timothy 1:6).
Finally

We should beware that we do not make a man an offender for a word (Isaiah 29:20/21). Doing so may betray the fact that we are seeking an excuse to get at someone. Further, we should not be excessive in our use of words for in the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression (Proverbs 10:19).

Calling people names such as Raca (stupid, worthless) or Fool is condemned by Christ in Matthew 5:22.

It should be noticed that Christ rebuked Satan by speaking of the importance of every word of God (Matthew 4:4). Later in that Gospel it is said that Christ cast out the spirits with a word. A word was enough ( Matthew 8:16).

The importance of a name can be seen in the fact that every one whosoever, who shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved (Romans 10:13). As to the seventy it says they returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us through thy name (Luke 10:17).

Neither the word of the Lord nor his name are something to be made light of (Exodus 9:20/21 and Exodus 20:7).

December 2001

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