Buy the truth and sell it not!
Ponder: The inherent value of truth
Scripture: “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23, KJV).
How much does truth cost? In one sense, it’s free – you don’t write the Lord a check for it, nor do you hand him your credit card. But, in another sense, truth is profoundly expensive – it will cost you everything.
Solomon wrote, “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23). He didn’t say to buy the truth if you can get it at a discount; he just said to buy it! Nor did he say, “Buy whatever you please as long as you are sincere.” He said to buy the truth!
Jesus said that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). To buy the truth is not simply to purchase a Bible at the bookstore; it is to learn, believe, and obey what that volume teaches.
No matter how much truth costs, it is a bargain. It may cost you precious time. It may cost you some cherished beliefs and opinions. It may cost you some activities that previously brought you profound pleasure. But it’s still a bargain! Truth frees us from the slavery of sin (John 8:32). Our souls are purified when we obey the truth (1 Peter 1:22). Think of it: liberty and purity – priceless!
Truth is a bargain no matter what it costs, but selling it is a losing proposition no matter how much you receive for it. Jesus asked, “What is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Legion are those who have sold out the truth for ease, popularity, money, or pleasure. They will perish eternally because they did not love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).
Invest the time to learn the truth. Let it mold and shape you through faith and obedience. Grip it tightly, and never let it go. Buy the truth, and sell it not!
Song: “Give Me the Bible”
Prayer: Father, we happily confess you to be the God of truth. Your word is true. Help us, we pray, to be people of truth – to buy the truth, and sell it not. We pray in the name of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)