Deuteronomy 12:28 Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God.

We are back to the purpose of God’s regulations. As John said, His commands aren’t burdensome (1 John 5:3) because they are given in love, for our good. That said, the difference between the English and the Japanese here makes it clear that the Hebrew uses the word shalom. That has about the same gamut of meanings as the Hawaiian word aloha, which can make it very difficult to translate since the nuance depends on context. The NIV renders this as “go well with you,” while the Japanese renders it as “you may be happy.” Language can be a really tricky thing. Even between people who speak the same language, choice of words can either generate misunderstanding or clear it up. Differences in language use between men and women are justly famous, and have caused many conflicts. It isn’t that one is more correct than the other, it’s simply that they’re different. Whether we are reading the Bible or simply talking with another person, we do well to ask the Holy Spirit to show us the meaning behind the words, so that God’s truth may prevail.

I was talking about this with a gentleman yesterday who is past 90, having been a musician and an educator all his life. He was talking about differences in dialect from one region of Japan to another, and he is fascinated by my use of language because I am bilingual. I had to tell him that I’m just as capable of generating misunderstanding as he is! God has given me a gift of language, but I must not take it for granted. I talk freely in either language, but I must remember that Jesus said I will be held accountable for every careless word I’ve spoken. (Matthew 12:36) I would personally assume that would include every careless word I’ve written as well. With today’s electronic communication that’s increasingly an issue. I don’t do Twitter, but I see lots of people getting into trouble over what they’ve written in that! The Bible has a lot to say about words and the power of the tongue. I am to strive to use words as God intends, to accomplish His purposes and nothing less, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this Word. Help me receive Your words accurately to do them, and not confuse hearing with obedience. Help me not feel that because I’ve said something it’s true. That applies only to what You say! May I be a good steward of the words You supply, so that they may indeed accomplish that for which You send them, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!