“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, KJV).

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, NKJV).

The original word Katecho comes from Kata, which means “down,” and echo which means “hold,”  It is used in this passage of “unrighteous man who restrain the spread of the truth by their unrighteousness” (Vine’s).

God’s people are to shine as lights in this world.  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).  Paul wanted the Philippian brethren to be “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” adding, “among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).  Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” (1 Peter 2:11-12).

When we are not what we should be, our behavior can hinder others from receiving the truth.  Consider: “You therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?  For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’  as it is written” (Romans 2:21-24).  Let us be careful that we do not become a hindrances to the truth.