I

In outward appearance, whether the words spoken by God

be plain or profound,

they are all truths indispensable to man's life entry;

they are the fount of living waters

that enables man to survive in both spirit and flesh.

They provide what man needs to stay alive;

the principles and creed for conducting his daily life;

the path he must take to salvation, as well as its goal and direction.

God's words provide every truth man should possess

as a created being before God;

and every truth about how man submits to and worships God,

how man submits to and worships God.

They are the guarantee that ensures man's survival,

they are man's daily bread,

and they are also the sturdy support that enables man to be strong,

enables man to be strong and stand up.

II

God's words are rich in the truth reality

with which created mankind lives out normal humanity,

rich in the truth by which mankind breaks free

from corruption and eludes Satan's snares;

they are rich in the tireless teaching,

exhortation, encouragement, and solace

that the Creator gives to created humanity.

God's words are the beacon that guides and enlightens men

to understand all that is positive.

They are the beacon that guides men and enlightens men

to understand all that is positive.

God's words are the guarantee which ensures that men will live out

and come into possession of all that is just and good;

they are the criterion by which all people, events,

and things are measured.

They are the criterion by which all people, events, and things are measured.

God's words are also the navigation marker

that leads men toward salvation and the path of light,

that leads men toward salvation and the path of light, the path of light.

from The Word, Vol. 2. On Knowing God. Preface