Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:1-2)

Today, perhaps more so than in recent history, we seem to have numerous high-profile individuals in evangelicalism “darkening counsel” by speaking “words without knowledge” in response to the prevailing cultural winds.

While we may be tempted to obfuscate to accommodate secular culture, Matthew Henry cautioned that ours is not to question God’s decrees and designs set forth in Scripture:

“We confound and perplex ourselves and one another when we dispute of the order of God’s decrees, and the designs, and reasons, and methods, of his operations of providence and grace. A humble faith and sincere obedience shall see further and better into the secret of the Lord than all the philosophy of the schools, and the searches of science.”

Concerning “words without knowledge,” theologian Albert Barnes cautioned,

“There is much of this kind of speaking in the world; much that is written, and much that fails from the lips in debate, in preaching, and in conversation, that explains nothing, and that even leaves the subject more perplexed than it was before. We see from this verse that God does not and cannot approve of such ‘words.’ If His friends speak, they should vindicate His government; they should at least express their conviction that He is right; they should aim to explain His doings, and to show to the world that they are reasonable. If they cannot do this, they should adore in silence.”

Friends, at this vital hour, seek out those who inspire confidence in the Almighty, explaining and vindicating His divine dealings.

Identify and avoid all others, regardless of their longevity or prominence.

And pray for EA in our efforts to hold fast to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13-14).