Articles
Are You "Without Wax?"
The study of the origin or our words is at once an interesting and profitable pursuit. According to some scholars, our word "sincere" has a fascinating background.
In ancient Rome, the potters would hide the imperfections in their vessels by filling them with wax. Their best products were, in the Latin tongue, sine cera, meaning, "without wax." Our word, "sincere," is said, by some, to come from this source.
What a beautiful illustration of what it means to be "sincere and without offense till the day of Christ" - Phil. 1:10. With a little wax and paint, the most inferior vessel can be made to appear perfect - on the surface. But its inherent weaknesses will ultimately be found out. Just so, the Christian's character is not to be full of imperfections which are hidden from view by the wax of hypocrisy. His life and character should be sound through and through. He must be SINCERE!
