“See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Deuteronomy 4:5-6).
How is your reputation? If you are like me, you’ve had your ups and your downs. Sometimes people think I’m critical or judgmental. But, there have also been times when someone thought me intelligent or wise. And when such times happen, that’s also the time to exercise humility by noting where that wisdom comes from. At such times, keep in mind what Moses said, that God’s word, “Will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples.”
Scripture isn’t just a collection of religious or historical stories. And it wasn’t written just to tell us the history of Israel. It is much deeper than that. Paul says it was written for our instruction (Romans 15:4, I Corinthians 10:11). It contains everything we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). Through scripture, even the young and naive might be considered wise (Proverbs 28:7). So, if we want to excel in knowing God and how we should act in an increasingly wicked world, understanding scripture should be our first and last resort. Because, speaking of scripture, Moses says, “It is not an idle word for you, indeed, it is your life” (Deuteronomy 32:47).
Memory Verse
“It is not an idle word for you, indeed, it is your life” (Deuteronomy 32:47).
Application
Do you have a daily time of reading and reflection in God’s word? Don’t fall into the trap of saying you don’t have time. If you have time to sleep, or watch TV, or surf the Internet, then you have plenty of time to read and reflect on scripture. Make scripture a priority in your life and see how it changes your life.
