Digging for gold is exciting, the proper tools can make a big difference!

Probing Proverbs: 1:5-6 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,                                                            the words of the wise and                                                          their riddles.

Admiral Byrd, the explorer, one day was passing through the lobby of a hotel when a large company of people commenced cheering him. Two men were joining in the salutation, when one was overheard remarking to the other: “He is the last of the explorers; there is nothing left for the rest of us to explore.”^[1]

Wow! What a tragic mind set! In the first place there are still physical places on this earth that have not been really discovered, yet even more important, the whole concept of exploration will never be exhausted by a finite human being when there exists an Infinite God!

This Proverbs lays out a tremendous challenge for all of those that declare themselves children of God and desire to follow Him. “Exploring” what an important word when it comes to how we approach the Scriptures! Too many times we are here just to check off one more thing we do to be “spiritual”! What does it mean to explore?

First, let’s consider the original meaning of this word:

* This verb is used 247 times. The main words it is translated to based on context in English are “understanding” or “insight.” It has the basic meaning of “discern between.” It refers to knowledge, which is superior to the mere gathering of data. It is necessary to know how to use the knowledge one possesses. It can also mean “understanding” in the sense of ability (e.g. Esau as a skilful hunter). The key thought communicated is a power of judgment and perceptive insight and is demonstrated in the use of knowledge.^[2]

To be a true “explorer” requires much more than just the acquiring of masses of information. Again, never underestimate how important the gathering of data is, that is the foundation you will work from. This is why the “source” of your data is so essential.

My source is the Word of God. That does not mean I will not “explore” other writings, what it does mean is that the standard I use to validate Truth is the Word and the Word only. No apologies, and the truth be told, if you are willing to honestly, without biased, study the Authenticity and Historicity of the Scriptures you will find they stand the test, whether it be historical, archeological, scientific, or practical living.

If you also have made the Scriptures the foundation of Truth for yourself, you need to begin to gather the data. A true explorer digs deeper into meanings, definitions and practical applications. This will include putting into practice what you have been exploring. Esau could study hunting all he wanted, if he did not apply it he would still starve!

I have found that many children of God find their time in the Scriptures boring, that is why they struggle to make time. I would challenge any that find themselves in that situation to seriously consider this: perhaps it is not the Scriptures that are boring, it might be the way you are approaching them. Exploration is always exciting and renewing! In exploration the best kind of help is to have the proper tools; and we live in the perfect age for that! When I was young in the Lord we had all kinds of resources in books, but it could be quite expensive to get these tools to use. Not so today, the Internet makes it easy to look up passages, original meanings, cultural context, etc.

SLOW down! Stop trying to cover chapters everyday. That kind of reading is great for really getting “gigs” of Scriptures to fill your mind, which is very health. However, to explore you need to take only small “bites” J. Take a few Scriptures and then investigate them on the Internet with the tools available. One of my favorite tools, and it is free…and VERY thorough in the tools it offers is, Bible.org – Just go to this site, https://bible.org/  -  you will find every tool you need to explore the greatest Book in the world!

Father let us come to Your Word filled with excitement of the adventure of discovering more about You!

“The so what?”

What is the source you use for your foundation of Truth? Do you just “do” devotions or do you see them as points of adventure to explore spiritual Truth? Do you keep a record of what you learn, i.e. “quiet time diary,” “journal,” or just a notebook? What was the last thing you learned, that you then put into practice? Where do you find your tools? Try Bible.org!  https://bible.org/

^[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1096). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[2] Goldberg, L. (1999). 239 בִּין. R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer Jr., & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed., p. 103). Chicago: Moody Press.