Love God Greatly: For Such a Time as This - a Study on the Book of EstherSample

Week 2: Reflecting God

Discerning Truth

Read:Esther 3:5-11, Psalm 52:2

SOAP: Psalm 52:2

“Your tongue carries out your destructive plans; it is as effective as a sharp razor, O deceiver.”

Into the Text

Words hold incredible power. They can build up or tear down, bring healing, or cause deep hurt in a matter of seconds. In Psalm 52, we are reminded how a deceitful tongue can be as sharp as a razor, cutting deep and causing immediate destruction. Haman, a man who was filled with pride and hatred, used his words to manipulate King Ahasuerus, twisting the truth to serve his own selfish agenda. He knew exactly how to prey on the king’s weaknesses and advance his evil agenda.

There’s a lesson here for us. Who we listen to matters. We need to surround ourselves with people who not only offer wise advice but also have the courage to speak the truth in love, even when it’s hard to hear. It’s easy to be swayed by the opinions around us, especially those we trust, but not all advice is rooted in godly wisdom.

That’s why it’s so important to stay grounded in God’s Word. When we consistently spend time with Him and seek His wisdom, we are better equipped to discern truth from lies. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s wisdom, the less likely we are to be misled by the “Hamans” in our lives, those whose motives may not be pure.

Whose voices are you allowing to influence your life? Are they pointing you toward God’s truth? Or are they subtly leading you away from His Word? Ask God for discernment, and trust that He will help you surround yourself with those who will speak truth in love into your life.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to surround myself with wise and truthful counsel. Give me discernment to recognize when someone’s words are not aligned with your Word, and lead me to seek your wisdom daily. May my own words be filled with your love and wisdom. Amen.