TRUTH MATTERS
Proverbs 16:20–25; 30:1–6
Can you imagine how much better the world would be if everyone told the truth? Early in life, children begin to practice dishonesty to either avoid punishment or to embellish. This problem is not only reserved for children in our society but applies to us all. If we only told the truth, how much stress and anxiety could we avoid? Those involved in court and legal matters must swear that the words they share are accurate and trustworthy. Telling the truth is so important.
Truth still matters, and it always will. It is disturbing when people declare that they can choose what they wish to be the truth. In doing so, truth becomes irrelevant to some and merely a matter of opinion. When this happens, truth is under attack, and we all suffer.
Those who love Christ should also love the truth and remain firm in their commitment to share it, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be.
We need wisdom because our own way of thinking is often deceptive — and deadly. (16:20–25)
Have you ever been wrong? Of course, we have all been in error before. It could be something as trivial as a random fact or useless knowledge, or it could be something more critical such as health choices or financial investments.
We must all be teachable. People who think they know everything are both annoying and prideful. When we depend solely on our own understanding and logic, we may be setting ourselves up for failure. As I deepen my dependence on God, I will also mature in my appreciation for the truth and my love for it.
We must acknowledge our own lack of understanding. (30:1–4)
These verses contain strong language but convey an honest message. We are all ignorant in certain areas. Some excel in math and science, while others flourish in the arts and languages.
When we place our limited understanding alongside the infinite and all-knowing heavenly Father, we should shudder at our mental frailty. However, He is gracious to us. When we acknowledge our need for wisdom, He promises to give it to us freely. When we seek His counsel, we recognize our trust in Him.
We can rely on the truth of God’s Word. (5–6)
As followers of Christ, we have the assurance that He is the source and essence of all truth. We can trust our eternal souls to Him because we believe His Word is true and has been repeatedly proven. God has no fear of those who disregard His Word or even distort it. Man’s opinions and activities do nothing to lessen the value and validity of His truth.
The greatest gift of all is the living Word we discover in Jesus. When we rely on Christ, we anchor our lives in eternal security. His words are a perpetual comfort to us and a reminder of His desire to communicate with us. His words are complete and do not require any additions or deletions.
In the presence of His Word, we find hope and life. When all the opinions and commentaries of this world have passed, His words will remain. The truths of His words will bring light to the darkness and refuge for a tired soul.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
