Great Is Your Faithfulnessნიმუში

Faithful to Reveal Truth

I have teased my mother about riding every nutritional wave that has swept in over the last several decades, which she vehemently denies. To my point, our family drank powdered milk in the early '80s when milk was starting to be billed as bad for you, and there was little sugar and no white flour in our home for much of that decade either because sugar is poison and wheat gravy is higher in fiber than white gravy. In all fairness, our family's optimum health was her primary goal and, as you have probably observed, the trends of our culture conveniently shift when the Bayer company needs to sell more Flintstone chalky vitamins to families or Richard Simmons' Deal-a-Meal program ups the ante on protein drinks and less carbs.

I digress.

Physical health trends shift often, some from the benefit of research results, but more often from what the public is willing to believe, implement, and throw their dollars towards. And what I've discovered is, spiritual trends can fluctuate just as easily. But Scripture's timeless truths for living aren't quite so flexible. In fact, they're unchangeable and, therefore, a solid foundation upon which we can confidently ground our lives.

The collective writings of wisdom in the book of Proverbs are most certainly the “go to” reference when one is needing a daily dose of wisdom for practical living. They are practical, deep, simplistic, and empowering. The book’s purpose is to provide insight on how to live so your life represents your professed fear of the Lord: not the “I’m afraid” kind of fear, but the “I respect and reverence” kind of fear.

The Proverbs' authors state time and again to flee from anyone and anything that does not possess knowledge or wisdom. Godly knowledge and wisdom–found in the Scriptures, revealed by the Holy Spirit–are what will keep you from straying from absolute Truth. “Humanistic wisdom is a poor basis for determining what is true or false, right or wrong, worthy or unworthy. God’s written revelation is the only infallible source for determining the right path of life.”* Therefore, at the first moment you discover that someone or something conflicts with the Truth of God’s Word, God is faithful to reveal applicable Truth in His Word, reminding you to flee from that situation and how to refute such falsehood from entering into your heart.

As a follower of Christ, it is your responsibility to pursue wisdom and knowledge. At an early, even 11 or 12 years of age, my parents began encouraging me to read one Proverb each day as part of my daily Bible reading. With 31 chapters total, the Proverbs are the ideal one-a-day devotional, packed with practical spiritual nutrition for your soul, mind, and spirit. Seek out people of God who have maintained a consistent lifestyle of wise choices. Ask to spend time with them and make yourself available to their insight. Petition the Holy Spirit to grant you wisdom. Remember, the Father grants wisdom to those who will ask for it! (James 1:5)

While you may be doing life among people who disagree with what you believe, you must consistently speak, think on, pray about, read about, and sing about what the Word of God can produce in your life. It has been said you will become that of the least of your friends. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (NKJV) The apostle Paul said that evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33). You may not be able to choose those you work or study with, but you can select those whom you allow to speak in to your life. When the Word of God is sown deeply and rooted in your heart and mind, foolish thinking will find no room to settle in.

God is faithful to reveal timeless Truth.

Let us determine that in these dark days we will remain illuminated by the Spirit, exuding much light by the Word of God. “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119:104 NKJV)

Dig a Little Deeper

Find a start date where you can add a chapter from Proverbs for 31 days in a row. You'll find that its wisdom will enrich your walk and guide your steps.

*Donald C. Stamps, The Full Life Study Bible, New International Version. ©1992 Life Publishers Int’l.