Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar (Proverbs 30:2, 3, 5 &6 NIV).

choose your advisors well

Today we hear from one of the royal advisors. An advisor is one who is reflective and considers things carefully before putting them in the public domain. Once they are there they cannot be retracted. So he sets the expectations of his hearers very low. He predicates his musings with the facts that:

1. He is ignorant and
2. He has no understanding and finally
3. He has no wisdom.

By doing this he moves the focus from himself and places it firmly and squarely on God. So he continues; every word of God is flawless. That is every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God is what the individual lives by (Matt 4:4). Note that is not every word about God, but every word from God himself. God is the one who proffers knowledge. It is he who gives knowledge to those who asks for it. At a time when crucial decisions are to be made there are people about like the men of Issachar who have understanding of the times, knows what their country ought to do and tells the rest of the people (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Once we are classified as wise let us put things into perspective. After 40 years of being trained in the best schools, learning from the most advanced nation in the world, Moses asks God for someone to speak on his behalf because he is not eloquent (Exo 4:10ff). This shows us that although we may understand all mysteries, and can move mountains with our faith, if we do not have the love and humility to humble ourselves, we are nothing.

Today, remember that there is always more to learn and the greatest teacher is the Holy Spirit who points us the Jesus who tells us he does nothing without the father first sanctioning it.

Read Proverbs 30