Word Origins

So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.James 2:17-20, 26 NLT

I was thinking about an interesting conversation I had with a former instructor who passed away in 2015. Although it was not an English-related course that he taught, we discovered over the years many common interests; such as we both enjoyed wordplay and word quizzes and etymology, not to be confused with entomology. One is the study or history of the sources and development of words; the other has to do with bugs. I don't do bugs.  

The instructor was a direct descendant of the Funks of Funk & Wagnall dictionary fame. We had many a lively discussion over the origin of common phrases, proverbial sayings and clichés. At the time, he had not yet chosen Christ as his Savior, so he didn't like it much when I could prove to him that many of those common phrases, proverbial sayings and clichés are implied or have their basis in Scripture. However, like it or not, it's true. 

Did you know that the example of 'Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning' is found in Matthew 16:2-3? How about 'Better to be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt'? Look at Proverbs 17:28.

'Actions speak louder than words', and even St. Francis of Assisi's quote, Preach the gospel at all times...if necessary, use words, is based in our text for today. "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds."  

People can say they are Christian, but the Bible tells us in Matthew 7 that we'll know for sure by the fruit of their lives. What are they producing? A Bible on the coffee table doesn't make someone a Christian any more than standing in the garage makes them a car. After all, you can't judge a book by its cover, can you?  

Do our words imply or have their basis in Scripture? Is God's Word the origin of our words?

Prayer:

Father,
          If ever there is a warrant issued for the arrest of Christians, let me be found guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt for being known by the fruit of my life. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen