"Epigrams"

 

“Epigrams”

 

In a large book of illustrations I often referred to during my pastoral years there were sections called “Epigrams”. These were short sayings dealing with various topics (much like Proverbs) which put key thoughts into a few words. Over time I collected many of these adages which found their way into sermons, church bulletins, blog postings and on signs outside church buildings. They’re marked by brevity, wit, irony and other qualities which make them memorable.

With this article I’m beginning a series on “Epigrams”. If I’m able to document sources (many are unknown) they’ll be included along with a related biblical reference. They’re listed in random order but those dealing with God’s Word head the list.

“The Bible has survived the ignorance of its friends and the hatred of its enemies.” (Our Daily Bread). “Your word. O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89).

“Americans revere the Bible—but by and large they don’t read it.” (George Gallup). “…Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church….” (1 Timothy 4:13, NLT).

“(The Bible) is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue.” (John Quincy Adams). “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness….” (2 Timothy 3:16).

“The Christian’s life is the world’s Bible.” (Dwight L. Moody). “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” (2 Corinthians 3:2).

“A liar better have a good memory.” (Abraham Lincoln). “So put away all falsehood and ‘tell your neighbor the truth’ because we belong to each other.” (Ephesians 4:25, NLT).

“The three stages of life are youth, middle age and you’re looking good.” (Jim Stark). (“{God has} decided the length of our lives.” (Job 14:5, NLT).

“The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.” (Albert Einstein). “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7).

“Seven days without prayer make one weak.” (Christian Folk Wisdom). “I have called upon You every day, O Lord; I have spread out my hands to You.” (Psalm 88:7, NASB).

Ponder these bits of down-home wisdom. More next time.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan