Lies with Truth / ODB

 

Lies with Truth Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 READ Proverbs 30:5–8 I set my Bible on the podium and stared at the eager faces waiting for me to begin the message. I’d prayed and prepared. Why couldn’t I speak? You’re worthless. No one will ever listen to you, especially if they know your past. And God would never use you. Seared into my heart and mind, these words spoken in various ways over my life ignited a decade-long war against the lies I so easily believed. Though I knew the words weren’t true, I couldn’t seem to escape my insecurities and fears. So I opened my Bible. Turning to Proverbs 30:5, I inhaled and exhaled slowly before reading out loud. “Every word of God is flawless,” I read, “he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” I closed my eyes as peace overwhelmed me, and I began to share my testimony with the crowd. Many of us have experienced the paralyzing power of negative words or opinions others have of us. However, God’s words are “flawless,” perfect and absolutely sound. When we’re tempted to believe spirit-crushing ideas about our value or our purpose as God’s children, God’s enduring and infallible truth protects our minds and our hearts. We can echo the psalmist who wrote: “I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them” (Psalm 119:52). Let’s combat lies we’ve accepted about God, ourselves, and others by replacing negative speak with Scripture. By Xochitl Dixon What lies have you believed? What verses in the Bible have helped you see God, yourself, and others through the truth of Scripture? Loving Father, please help me to prayerfully study Scripture as You help me view life through the lens of Your truth.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Proverbs 30:5–6 talks about the significance of “every word of God.” Verse 5 notes the “flawless” nature of the Bible. The Hebrew word used here, sārap, literally means “purified” or “refined.” The term refers to goldsmithing or refining metal—the intensive process done to remove the impurities. Verse 6 demands Scripture remain pure by warning against adding anything to it. Verses 7–9 focus on clarifying God’s promises. For example, many Bible verses state that the righteous will prosper (see 13:21; 28:25); however, verses 8–9 qualify the promise, warning that having too much (becoming rich) or too little (experiencing poverty) can cause believers to fall. Instead, to find contentment in God the author prays, “Give me only my daily bread” (v. 8).  Julie Schwab