God Thoughts January 3rd

God Thoughts January 3rd

1 Timothy 6:3,4 KJV; If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even 

the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof 

cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

I do not use the King James on a regular basis because it's language is often outdated.  But 

the ancient tongue at times uses expressions like evil surmising, captures the heart, that a 

contemporary phrase cannot.  New Oxford American Dictionary defines surmising as; "to 

suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it;" The first-word evil 

defines the nature of our supposing-evil, negative, false, and put other in a bad light.

Why is it because someone gives you a look, does not respond in a way we would like, or 

remains silent we assume they are against us? When the news comes on and gives a sound 

bite, do we assume the best or the worst?

Proverbs 18:13 NLT states: Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and 

foolish.  You drive a stake through the heart of evil surmising by; (1) Always assume the best of 

others, until facts prove you wrong.  (2) Go to the person you are surmising evil off and get it 

straight from the horse's mouth. (3) Get the facts before making any decision; (4) be open to 

new ideas; (3) make sure you hear both sides of any story before judging. All three principles 

center around seeking additional information. This is difficult work, but the only alternative is 

prejudice—judging before getting the facts. Or as King James states evil surmising and not 

good surmising.