The question, “what is sound?” is an interesting one. It may have to do with doctrine, congregations, minds, individuals, etc. Some may object to the adjective, but it is a biblical concept. In 2 Timothy the apostle Paul exhorted his younger friend to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” The reason for such an admonition? “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
First, the definition of sound. From the Greek word, (hygiain?), as Strong’s says, “metaphorically the phrase is used of one whose Christian opinions are free from any admixture of error.” This is the way Paul uses it consistently. Soundness means wellness, to be healthy, So as it is used scripturally, this term would indicate that spiritual health is inextricably linked to religious truth. To contend for this is not to in any way diminish the importance of zeal, love, steadfastness, etc. It is simply a way to establish the importance of loyalty to truth.
This is the reason why Paul told Titus in preaching to the Cretans, “…rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). In both of these verses the truth is contrasted with “fables”, a contrast that shows the binary nature of truth. There is no such thing as “my” truth, or “your truth.” There is only “the truth” and what is not. The Greek word for fable (mythos), is where we get the term English word myth. So, what is not sound (in regard to doctrine) is a fabrication, or fable which has its source with men, not with the Holy Spirit.
Other passages where Paul uses the word Greek word translated sound? 1 Timothy 1:10, 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9, 2:1-2. Paul’s exhortations to these two preachers was not only for them to be careful in their handling of God’s word, but to teach other Christians to be so as well. In addition to other characteristic, God obviously requires his disciples individually and collectively to obey His will. Any doctrine that is not in accord with God’s word is a fable, it is not sound. Any Christian who does not abide in truth is not sound. Any congregation that does not abide in truth is not sound.
We must love the Lord, we must live moral lives, we must be steadfast, zealous, kind, loving, hospitable, patient, peaceful and gentle. We must also be sound. To be sound we must maintain our allegiance to the truth!
