In referring to preachers, the words “sound” and “unsound” get thrown around quite a bit.

But what does that mean? Also, is it possible that we don’t always use those terms as God’s Word uses them?

Let’s take a closer look.

First of all, the word “sound” (hugiainō) means “to have sound health, that is, be well (in body); figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)” (Strong’s). “Sound” means to be healthy - to be wholesome.

The word “doctrine” (didaskalia) means “instruction” or “teaching” (Strong’s).

So when we put these two together, it means “healthy teaching” or “wholesome instruction.” If our physical body is unhealthy, something is wrong or not as it should be. If our teaching isn’t “sound” then it means something isn’t as it should be - something is “off” in the health of our teaching.

Now that we have thought about what the words mean, let’s consider what sound doctrine is not.

Before we consider what sound doctrine is based on, I think it would be helpful for us to consider some things that sound doctrine is not based on.

Just because a preacher doesn’t use the King James Version (KJV) doesn’t mean he is “unsound” or “less sound” than preachers or teachers who do. At the same time, it is perfectly fine for a teacher or preacher to use the KJV - and the Christians who use it don’t need to be made to feel “outdated” or “stick-in-the-muds” for using it.

A more dynamic, “fiery” personality and style doesn’t make a teacher or preacher any more “sound” than someone who is quieter and more reserved. In the same way, just because someone is not as “in-your-face” with their personality or delivery style doesn’t mean they are sounder than a preacher who is.

Just because a preacher has an education from a bible or preaching school doesn’t mean he is “more sound” than brethren with little to no formal Bible education. In the same way, just because a teacher or preacher may be highly educated doesn’t necessarily mean he is “unsound” or a “flaming liberal.”

I’m afraid this one is far more of a problem than we may be willing to admit. Some preachers and teachers are absolutely viewed as “unsound” or at least “less sound” because they disagree with a commonly held tradition or opinion of brethren. The apostle Paul wrote Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 by inspiration to confront and rebuke strife and divisions in the Lord’s church over matters of judgment and opinion.

Just because a preacher or teacher uses 100 Bible verses in a sermon or class doesn’t mean he is any “more sound” than the one who uses 50 or 25. A single Bible verse that is understood in its context and properly applied can do more good than 10 Bible verses ripped from their context and misapplied.

I’ve heard the saying, “Sermonettes make Christianettes,” - meaning shorter sermons stunt the spiritual growth of Christians. The implication is that preachers and teachers who are “sound” speak longer. However, this simply isn’t true. I’ve heard hour-long sermons that were some of the most encouraging and helpful sermons I’ve ever heard. I’ve also heard hour-long sermons with about 10 minutes worth of substance. Longer sermons or classes don’t necessarily mean “better” or “more sound.”

Now that we have thought about some things that sound doctrine is not, what is it? How does God define sound doctrine?

Paul urged Timothy to “charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). These “certain persons” were drifting toward “myths and endless genealogies” and desired to be teachers of the law without understanding the things they were teaching (1 Timothy 1:4, 7).

Paul reminded Timothy that the “law is good” if it is used lawfully (1 Timothy 1:8). He then explained that the law was not given for the just but for sinners who had committed all sorts of sins (1 Timothy 1:9-10). All of this was “in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11). Paul then reminded Timothy of how God’s mercy had been extended to him through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:12-17).

Sound doctrine means being devoted to the truth that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and have earned death (Romans 6:23). And there is no way on our part to earn or merit anything other than what we have deserved. Life, forgiveness, and justification only come through Christ Jesus, who “came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). The gospel glorifies God for what He has done for us.

Sound doctrine is devoted to this “good news.”

Paul told Timothy that he must “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). This “word” refers to the “God-breathed Scripture” (2 Timothy 3:16) that is profitable and equips God’s people for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

Even if people demand something other than God’s Word to satisfy what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4), sound doctrine must continue to be proclaimed. Sound doctrine is devoted to what God has said rather than what the audience may want to hear.

As Paul gave Titus the qualifications for elders in the Lord’s church, he concluded by mentioning how elders must be “sound” in doctrine.

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9)

Not only are the elders to “hold firm” to God’s Word so they can “give instruction in sound doctrine” but also so they can “rebuke those who contradict it.”

Teaching sound doctrine includes confronting those who proclaim false or contradictory doctrine and correcting error.

Paul commands Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). What did he have in mind in this context?

He addresses how the older Christian men and women are to live and behave, as well as the younger Christian women and men (Titus 2:2-8). He even told Titus to address how bondservants are to serve and work for their masters (Titus 2:9-10). This is all taught in view of God’s grace that has been shown to us (Titus 2:11-14).

Proclaiming sound doctrine includes reminding Christians of how they are to live their lives.

I appreciate all the good work your brethren do in God’s kingdom!

Keep up the good work, and remain devoted to the “healthy teaching!”

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