Truth Matters • Proverbs 16:20-25; 30:1-6
By Sydney Charlton
Our culture beckons individuals to create their own truth. Now, more than ever, we are encouraged to create our own definitions of everything. As our culture has drifted further from the Lord, truth has become whatever we want it to be.
Even ideologies surrounding gender differ greatly from what Scripture states. But those far from God don’t question this, or any other absurd topic, because there is a widespread assumption that truth can be individualistic. This renders the concept of truth virtually non-existent, allowing many to conclude that truth doesn’t matter. This is not the case for those of us who know Christ as Lord and Savior (John 14:6). We know that He is the Truth, and our personal opinions and individual reasoning must be measured by what He says is true.
Because of Christ, we know that there is a singular truth for all people. Next week, we will discuss truth and Jesus together. We are not ignoring that truth resides in Jesus, but for this lesson, we will focus on the reality of objective truth.
Proverbs 16:20-25
In order to lead a discerning life, we must trust in the Lord because true wisdom only comes from Him. Jeremiah describes the heart of man as deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). This truth makes us more aware of our need for wisdom and understanding from God. Our thinking is deceptive, even deadly, so we must trust God to guide us in truth.
Proverbs 30:1-4
With wisdom, we gain understanding. As Christ-followers, it is critical to acknowledge our lack of genuine understanding. When we allow ourselves to become “wise in our own eyes” and strive to become self-sufficient in any capacity, we veer from true dependence on God (Isaiah 5:21).
When we begin to comprehend our lack of understanding, we begin to see the inexpressible gift we have in being in fellowship with God. He imparts wisdom and understanding, and guides us in truth (John 16:13). We are not left to our vices to figure things out.
Proverbs 30:5-6
Every word of God is true! There is not even a hint of deceit to be found.
Let that sink in! Every other written word is tainted by the fallen nature of mankind. But because God is unlike us, His Word is perfect. When we study the Word, we don’t have to wonder if It is true, we know we can trust what It says because we know God is trustworthy. God is Who He says He is. He doesn’t lie.
In our next lesson, we will further discuss Jesus as the Source of truth (John 8:31-32; John 14:6), but today, consider what a gift is it to be able to rely on the truth of God’s Word.
When I think of this, I cannot help but think of an old familiar tune, which uses Psalm 119:105 as its lyrics. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
This week, I pray we will all be intentional about allowing God’s Word to guide us. Through His Word, we will find the wisdom we need to continue to walk in truth.
Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.
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