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.
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