Look Deeper: The Enemy’s Words Always Contain the Unprofitable

Words hold incredible power. They can uplift and inspire or deceive and destroy. Throughout Scripture, we see the enemy, Satan, using words in cunning and manipulative ways, often mixing truth with lies to achieve his goals. As believers, it is crucial to examine his words carefully and recognize that, even when they appear correct, there is always something unprofitable—something designed to mislead, harm, or separate us from God.

A Pattern of Deception

From the very beginning, Satan’s strategy has been to twist words and plant seeds of doubt. In Genesis 3:1-5, he approaches Eve in the Garden of Eden with a seemingly innocent question: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (v. 1). At first glance, it seems like a genuine inquiry. However, it’s a subtle distortion of God’s actual command, designed to provoke doubt.

When Satan says, “You will not surely die,” (v. 4), his statement is partially true. Adam and Eve did not die physically right away, but spiritual death—separation from God—happened instantly. This is the essence of the enemy’s words: they may seem accurate, but they are always filled with harm.

Examining the Enemy’s Words in Job

In Job 1:7-12 and 2:1-6, Satan makes a bold accusation: Job’s faithfulness to God is purely transactional, a result of God’s blessings and protection. While it is true that Job had been richly blessed, the enemy’s intention was not to state facts but to undermine Job’s character and challenge God’s justice.

Satan’s words reveal his unprofitable nature. He seeks to destroy rather than build up, to accuse rather than encourage. Job’s faithfulness, even in suffering, proves Satan wrong, but his malicious intent serves as a warning for us to discern the heart behind the words we hear.

Twisting Scripture: The Wilderness Temptation

The wilderness temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) serves as another compelling illustration. Satan accurately quotes Scripture when he says, “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (Matthew 4:6, quoting Psalm 91:11-12). Although the words themselves are true, they are manipulated to tempt Jesus into testing God.

Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” This teaches us that the enemy can use even holy words for unholy purposes. We must remain vigilant, testing every message against the full counsel of God’s Word.

Why We Must Look Deeper

The enemy’s words are never neutral. They are designed to confuse, manipulate, and destroy. Recognizing this requires spiritual discernment and a deep relationship with God’s Word. Here are three ways to guard against what is unprofitable:

1. Know Scripture in Context
   Just as Jesus used Scripture to counter the enemy, we must familiarize ourselves with the Word. A shallow understanding leaves us vulnerable to manipulation.
2. Discern the Intent Behind Words
   Ask yourself: Is this message drawing me closer to God or pulling me away? The enemy’s words often appeal to pride, fear, or doubt, aiming to weaken our faith.
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit
   The Spirit of God is our guide and protector. Through prayer and discernment, the Spirit enables us to see through the enemy’s lies and uncover the unprofitable in his words.

The Call to Vigilance

In our daily lives, the enemy’s voice can manifest in many ways: doubt, accusations, fear, or even flattering lies. Although his words may sometimes seem reasonable or appealing, they invariably lead to harm when acted upon. By looking deeper, grounding ourselves in Scripture, and depending on the Holy Spirit, we can reveal the enemy’s deceptions and stand firm in God’s truth.

Remember, Satan’s words always contain an element of the unprofitable. But God’s Word is entirely true, wholly profitable, and completely life-giving. Let us be vigilant and rooted in His Word, discerning truth from deception and choosing the path that leads to life.