Proverbs 30.5-6
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Our theme this week is the Word of God. It must be a priority in the life of a Christian. As we have learned throughout our study of the book of Proverbs, scripture imparts wisdom and restrains folly.
The importance of God’s Word for the Christian life is clearly communicated in the 2 Timothy 3.16-17: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
This passage tells us that the Word of God does four things that are “profitable” in our lives:
1) The Word teaches. It gives us instruction on how to live.
2) The Word reproves. It tells us when we are not living the right way.
3) The Word corrects. It tells us how to get back on the right track.
4) The Word trains in righteousness. It gives us instruction, skills, and disciplines that will keep us on the right track.
The passage also says that if we allow the Word to teach, reprove, correct, and train us, then we will be complete and equipped for the work to which the Lord calls us. The opposite is also true. If we do not allow the Word of God to do its work in our lives, we will not be equipped for the work to which the Lord calls us.
I encourage you to read carefully the immediately preceding passage in 2 Timothy. It gives clear instruction to the 21st century Christian community in the midst of a post-truth culture:
“Evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation.” (2 Timothy 3.14-15)
There is evil afoot in 21st century America, and many impostors (pseudo-leaders) have gained power and influence in our institutions. There are leaders who have been deceived into promoting dangerous ideologies and policies. There are other leaders who intentionally and willfully seek to deceive the populace.
The Christian community is called to remain steadfast and strong. We must stand firm on the truth of God’s Word. Motivated by love, we must not waver or compromise.
The final verse issues the great challenge for the Christian community in this time and place in history. We need to be saved and wise. Literally, we need to be “wise in salvation.” Our effectiveness and impact in the world is determined not simply by being saved, but also by being wise.
Is the Christian community digging deeply into God’s Word for wisdom, or are we simply satisfied with being saved? Time will tell.
