October 16, 2023 -- Proverbs 16:20 -- Give thought to the Word

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
    and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Proverbs 16:20 ESV

This short proverb has a translation issue. “Word” in the original language can mean saying, or word, or matter, or thing. Here is a different translation: “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he” (Prov. 16:20 KJV).

Remember the context of all these proverbs. The whole book of Proverbs makes a contrast between the way of wisdom and the way of folly. Wisdom is found in those who read the Bible, put it into practice and when faced with a difficult situation will go to the Giver of the Word to find an answer. Fools go forward in their own strength, weight a matter by their own experience and consider themselves the standard of what is right. Sadly, fools are constantly tripped up in their folly.

In joy or in sorrow, in poverty or in plenty, in the company of friends or alone, the one who trusts in the LORD sees in every moment of life, in every circumstance, the opportunity to serve the LORD and affirm his ever deepening trust in the Living God. Every instance of renewed true is affirmed in the life of the believer as Jesus Christ is his the Faithful High Priest. He is the One Who has laid down His life as a ransom for the believer. He is the One Who lives to intercede on behalf of the believer before the Father in heaven. The Father and the Son together give the Holy Spirit to all who believe so that the Word is rich, the most helpful guide in the life of the believer.

When life is difficult, the most important work of a believer is to run to Jesus. And if you do not have the energy to run to Him, cry out to Him for help. He never needs sleep. He never gets tired of hearing your cries for help. In fact, the very need you bring to Jesus shows your utter dependence on Him—which in turn gives glory to the Father for sending Jesus. Your cries for help show you have given thought to a matter by the Word, this gives glory to Jesus for He is affirmed as the Good Shepherd of your soul. When you cry out to Jesus in all your joys and trials, the Spirit of God takes from what belongs to Jesus and applies His blessing as a healing bandage for your soul. Again God receives the honour and glory whenever you cry out. It is as the writer, inspired by the Spirit of God, teaches whoever gives thought to the Word will discover good. The Word reveals the Goodness of God.

Our Faithful Father in heaven honoured and blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore. Thank You that You have stored up good in Jesus Christ for all Who meditate on Your Word, Who listen to it and search deep into it for wisdom. Spirit of the Living God, ^make the Bible live to me, show me Yourself in Your Word; show me myself and show me my Savior, and make the book live to me. Amen.

^from the Hymn “Make the Book Live to Me”

https://youtu.be/l4id-FSMwJs?si=2Zmf1r94iqiyjm98 “Amazing Love/Word of God Speak”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.