Buy the truth, and do not sell it,

.... Also wisdom and instruction and understanding (Proverbs 23:23). Two thousand years ago Pontius Pilate  asked Jesus “What is truth?” (John 18:28). But it wasn't really a question, for he walked away without waiting for an answer. Pilot was 21st century modem,  not believing in truth, for he,  like much of our society,  had sold it. Paul put it this way “they exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). And how they (and we) do this,  is by “suppressing the truth in unrighteousness” (verse 18). It's called rationalization and denial. In other words, we sell the truth by doing things we know are wrong, and we buy the truth by living it, by walking in it (2 John 4).  But you may be asking “what is truth?”

The Scripture has two answers. In His hight priestly prayer Jesus tells the Father “Your Word is truth” (John 17:17).  He is of course referring to the Bible (Hebrews 4:12), and His rhama Word, the words He speaks to us by His Holy spirit (John 6:63; 10:27). The second answer, is that Jesus Himself is the Truth, He is Truth incarnate, Truth in the flesh (John 14:6). When we abide in the words of truth, hold fast to His teachings and live in accordance with them, then we will know the truth both intellectually and personally (knowing Jesus). And these Truths will set you free  (John 8:31, 32 Amp).  So again buying the truth is about consistent reading of His Word, walking in obedience to it,  and connecting with Him in an ongoing bases in and through His Holy Spirit.  And we need to be consistent,  because buying the truth is a process. Hearing the truth can be difficult, but He is gentle and gracious,  and in relationship with Him He only reveals what we are able to bear,  as we are increasingly able to bear it (John 16:7- 12).

It is the same with wisdom, instruction and understanding.  And again these things are all related to walking in the truth. In fact  “I have more insight, understanding and wisdom than all my teachers because Your Word is my meditation” (Psalm 119:99). The secular and popular psychologist Jordon Peterson says things like “If you simply stop doing things you know are wrong, life will go better for you.” He is elucidating a Biblical principle that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). That is that bad choices have bad fruit,  and good choices have good fruit. It's not rocket science when you see it! The truth becomes clear when you live it!

Father, nobody is saying that any of this is easy, but You have not left us alone to struggle on our own. Thank You Father for the Holy Spirit, the comforter whom You sent to teach us, to guide us, to give us wisdom and understanding and to comfort us when we need it. Thank You that it's all about relationship,  and You tell us that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You for Your many promises,  in particular that if we draw near to You, You will draw near to us (James 4:8). So we draw near again this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen