the Week of Proper 26 / Ordinary 31
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Bible Dictionaries
Smooth
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
1 Samuel 17:40 (c) We may understand from this passage that we too are to select words that may be effectively used in helping others, or in defeating the enemy, and not be careless in our statements. David knew that rough stones would not carry straight when thrown. We must choose expressions that will really go straight home to the heart.
Isaiah 30:10 (b) Present day preaching and preachers should be influenced by this passage. Preachers should tell the truth whether or not it hurts. The smooth things mentioned are nice, sweet platitudes, which are intended to hurt no one, and to injure nobody. It is the preaching of the modernist, who fails to warn lost men of the danger that lies ahead. He gives comforting words to those who should have severe denunciation.
Isaiah 57:6 (c) This form of idolatry is quite prevalent in our day. Probably the prophet was thinking of the smooth stones of David when he made this statement. Instead of taking the precious words of the Lord from His wonderful book, they take interesting statements of great men or women, beautiful phrases of religious leaders, and make them the law of the life. Thus the words of men supercede the words of GOD.
Luke 3:5 (b) We read this same expression in Isaiah 40:4. It is one of the ways in which our Lord fixes up our lives. He removes troublesome people, or troublesome relatives, or associates who are difficult to work with or live with. He takes out of our lives the things that make living hard and difficult. Sometimes He leaves the path rough, but gives His child shoes of iron and brass. Sometimes He leaves the mountains in the way, but makes the feet of His child like "hind's feet." The hind loves the rough mountains, valleys, cliffs and chasms. She does not want her way to be made smooth.
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Watson, Walter. Entry for 'Smooth'. Wilson's Dictoinary of Bible Types. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​wdt/​s/smooth.html. 1957.