Social media is filled with encouraging Bible verses and inspirational quotes, many of them shared with sincere intentions. Yet a search for Isaiah 60:22 brings up image after image with these words:
“When the time is right, I, the LORD, will make it happen.”
The words sound biblical, but before we click Share, there are two questions every believer should learn to ask: Is this what the verse actually says? And just as importantly, is this what the verse actually means?
When we open our Bible, we find that Isaiah 60:22 reads:
“A little one shall become a thousand,
And a small one a strong nation.
I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.”
The popular quote is a shortened paraphrase of the final phrase. It leaves out the first part of the verse and separates the words from their original setting. Isaiah 60 is a prophecy concerning the future restoration and glory of Zion. God is declaring that what appears small will become great because He will accomplish His purposes at the appointed time.
Trusting God’s timing is certainly biblical. The concern is not with encouraging someone to wait on the Lord. The concern is presenting a paraphrase as though it were the actual wording of Scripture, then applying it without considering what the passage is saying.
The Bereans were commended because they received the message willingly while also examining it in the light of God’s Word:
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11 (NKJV)
Discernment is not about finding fault with everyone who creates or shares an encouraging post. Most people are simply trying to offer hope. It is about loving God’s Word enough to handle it carefully and taking the time to understand what He has actually said.
Before sharing a verse, it helps to ask:
• Does the Bible actually say this?
• What is the surrounding context?
• Who is speaking, and who is being addressed?
• What is God teaching through this passage?
These questions do not weaken our faith or take away from the encouragement. They help root our faith in God’s Word rather than in words that merely sound biblical.
For someone who is waiting on the Lord, Psalm 27 gives us a passage that speaks beautifully and honestly:
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:13–14 (NKJV)
David does not promise that every difficult circumstance will immediately change. He points us to the Lord, who strengthens the hearts of those who wait upon Him.
Truth to Carry:
Biblical discernment does not lessen our encouragement. It gives it a firm foundation. Before we share a verse, let’s open our Bible, read the passage, and make sure the words we are sharing are truly what God has said.
Foundations in Scripture 