by LaNelle Martin
Proverbs 19:27 says, “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” The instruction that Solomon is talking about here is instruction in God’s wisdom, words of truth that will lead us in God’s ways.
We must keep God’s Word in our daily lives if we want to stay on track. This verse has a strong warning. It does not say, “you might stray” or “you could stray,” but “you will stray” if you stop listening to instruction. Listening is more than just hearing. It means accepting and applying God’s Word.
The Bible is the source He has given us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” It will show us what is right and what is wrong.
In Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18-23), He describes how the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are like weeds that choke out the Word of God. All of us are impacted by the cares of this world. We feel overwhelmed sometimes by the things that seem to demand all of our energy and attention, but all of these things are temporary and they are not the things that will really make our lives matter.
God’s Word stands forever. It doesn’t change. We don’t always understand everything we hear or read, but He has promised to teach us from His Word. So don’t stop reading, studying, and learning from the Bible. It is going to keep us on the right path!