Proverbs 30 commences with the declaration of the author, Agur that he is ‘more stupid than any man’ (Pro 30:1-2). In a world where men strive for recognition and power, how is it possible for a person to consider himself thus? Only a person who has fully put their trust in the Lord can make such a bold yet humble declaration because he trusts not in his own abilities, but in the Lord who is the Source of all wisdom. The pure and perfect Word of God is incomparable to our finite understanding and hence absolute trust in God and His word alone can be our guard and guide in life.

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• Purpose of the Word of God: There is an intended purpose with which God’s word is given to us. To one who is yet to be unsaved, the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16). To those who have received the gospel message and accepted Christ as Lord, God’s word should the guideline and standard by which we live our lives in holiness. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God’s pure and holy word is the standard by which we can evaluate and correct our erroneous ways, align ourselves to God’s will and live a life in obedience to God. Just as a parent corrects and trains a child, the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to correct, instruct and equip us for holy living. 

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• Appropriation of the Word of God: Scripture is given with a purpose, but unless we appropriate it in our lives and put it into practice, there will be no fruitfulness. Personal application of Scripture in our lives is essential to live a separated and consecrated life that pleases God. This should begin with a dedicated lifelong meditation on the word of God – ‘Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.’ (Psalm 119:11) Continual reading, meditation and memorization of Scripture enables the living and active word of God to convict our hearts of sinful ways and lead us to repentance.

Psalm 1 reminds us that the one who meditates on the word of God is blessed - ‘that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.’ Applying Scripture in our lives requires receiving His word in faith and willfully submitting in obedience to the word. The word of God is a lamp to guide us and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). Without this light, we could so easily slip and fall into the darkened ways of the world.

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• Power of the Word of God: God’s word is active and powerful. It is God’s spoken word that brought the world and all creation into being. It is the power of God’s word that brought Lazarus back to life; that brings deliverance, healing, and restoration in our lives. In Ephesians 6:17 the believer is asked to take ‘the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’, the only offensive weapon in our spiritual warfare. Just as Jesus declared Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we are to use the powerful word of God against the devil’s temptations. 

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May the pure and flawless word of God, dwell richly within us, leading us into a deeper walk with Him day-by-day. 

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To Practise:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

(Proverbs 3:5-6)