UNSOUND

One of the complaints of this vocabulary is that these words are not found in scripture, but that they always come up in these discussions. Another word that is often used, but cannot be found in the scriptures is "unsound". If you remember the english lesson on prefixes, we see that "un" is against or obverse or opposed to whatever the root word is.

prefix----------- as used in--------------------- means
un --------------- unstable -------------------- not stable or secured
un --------------- unnatural------------------ against laws of nature
un --------------- unattractive ------------------- ugly
un --------------- unavailable ----------------- not there or not available
un --------------- unsound ----------- not sound in speech or doctrine

In order to understand what the phrase "unsound" means, we will go to the scriptures to see what the word "sound" actually means. Thus we can draw a conclusion that whatever is sound, is opposite to whatever is unsound. Is this simple enough for you to understand?

The Greek word for sound is:
5198. hugiaino, hoog-ee-ah'ee-no; from G5199; to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); fig. to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):--be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole (-some).

The phrases or words that can be translated are: uncorrupted, be wholesome, pure, well, right, faithful, true, just (in doctrine).

1 Timothy 1:10 (KJV)
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

That which is contrary to sound doctrine is unsound. It is against. It is in opposition to. It is not sound. It is unsound. The prefix, "un", means the opposite of the base (root) word.

Another way the Greeks used this word:
4995. sophronismos, so-fron-is-mos'; from G4994; discipline, i.e. self-control:--sound mind.

This can be translated: sober minded, bring body into subjection, train, exercise self control, train your mind, to keep the mind clear and active and correct.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:13 (KJV)
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Titus 1:9 (KJV)
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Titus 2:1 (KJV)
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

There are those who do not love the truth, therefore they corrupt the doctrine that they preach with the thoughts of man. They have made a friendship with the world. They have wholly embraced the false doctrines that man teaches. By doing so, they have totally or partially ignored the truth. They are in rebellion against God. When these people go towards false doctrines, they are unsound. When these people teach false doctrines, they are unsound. When these people practice false doctrines, they are unsound.

1 Tim. 6:3-5 (NASB)
If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, {4} he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, {5} and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

Friends, we should not haggle about words. But we should be trying to learn what the message really is. If the language is understandable in a different format or by using terms that describe things, then we should use them. Paul told us to understand what the will of the Lord is.

The scriptures do have a degree of understanding. But when people twist the scriptures to give a false impression, and offer a different doctrine, then we should beware. The language of our Lord is plain and simple. These people by their doctrine, are telling us that Jesus is a liar, or that Jesus' words have no application to us. Let us not get into a dispute about words. Let us search the scriptures to find the real message that God has given us.

Eph 5:17 (NASB)
So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

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