Every word of God proves true. – Proverbs 30:5
Have you ever had to give sworn testimony in a court or other chamber? If so, you give your oath that you will “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” often followed by “so help me, God.” Or perhaps you served on a jury and heard various witnesses, who took that same oath, told widely-disparate versions of the same event. Were they confused about the truth? Did you feel adequate to determine what was really true?
The Miriam-Webster Dictionary says when something is true it is “in accordance with the actual state of affairs,” that it is “conformable to an essential reality.” In the original Hebrew, when today’s verse says every word is proven to be true, it means it is “pure… trustworthy and flawless.” In Psalm 12:6, David puts it this way, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, refined seven times.” There are no impurities, imperfections, or error.
Because God’s Word is true and can be trusted, it is, as today’s verse will continue, “a shield.” Theologian Matthew Henry says it is a “sure protection to all those that put themselves under its protection, and put their trust in God.” Derek Kidner writes in his commentary, “It isn’t enough to know every word of God is pure, if you don’t take the next step and trust Him as your shield.” The aim of what is revealed in today’s verse, Kidner says, “is to promote trust, not bare knowledge, and trust that goes behind the words of the Speaker.”
Are you trusting in the truth of the Word of God? Even more, have you placed your trust in the only One who has spoken truth to you… the Lord God, in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? The absolute truth of your future depends on it.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 30:4-6
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
Surely you know!
5 Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
