Wisdom for Writing

Sometimes, I get this feeling of trepidation when I think about the load of responsibility I have as a writer. There are verses of warnings like Matthew 12:35-36, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." There are verses of responsibility like Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." A writer's pen is a mighty weapon which can be wielded for good or for evil.

First, we must understand that good writing cannot come from us ("The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9).

Secondly, we must understand from where good writing does come: God and His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.").

Thirdly, we must apply this knowledge ("But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22).

I know that left to myself, I should feel under-qualified to write. However, there are several things that I can do to glean from God's Word that wisdom I need:

1) Read Scripture (it is a good idea to continually read through your Bible year by year)

2) Study Scripture (broader than reading, studying is comparing Scripture to Scripture, looking up original word definitions, etc.)

3) Memorize Scripture (the more we hide God's Word in our hearts, the more it will freely flow from our pen)

4) Glean from others (take notes during sermons, talk with elderly believers, etc.)


What are some ways you can think of to glean wisdom for your writing?