From the Desk of a Friend: Buy the Truth

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

In these days many try to eliminate the truth and absolutes. God works with truth, and it is not relative. God is true and not adjustable or relative. Truth has been revealed to mankind in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 14:6) and in the written Word of God (John 8:31-32). We are advised in our text to “Buy the truth and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23).

Of course, this does not mean that we purchase the truth with money or riches. Too valuable to be obtained with any physical or worldly means, the truth is found in the person and the relationship of the Person of God. It is available to whosoever. There is no other supply nor substitute. It will never change or fail. The Person of God changes not, nor does His truth. Customs and societies change and sometimes try to change God’s Word, but the earth will pass away and still God’s Word will not change “one jot or one tittle.”

1. The truth about salvation was established before the foundation of the world.
   1. Jesus Christ paid the awful price because He was the only TRUE sacrifice to satisfy a just God’s payment for sin.
   2. Because Jesus was “The Way the Truth and the Life” we trust the Person and the Word to be saved from sin.
   3. This truth is so valuable:
      1. It cost the suffering and life of the Son of God.
      2. Many who have experienced this truth gave their lives rather than deny it.
      3. Many have tried to change it by changing the message or distorting it, but it remains the same.
      4. Many have denied it and now suffer eternally in Hell.
      5. Many have embraced it and have a sweet fellowship with the Way, the Truth, and the Life and have assurance of eternal bliss in the presence of Jesus Christ in heaven.
2. Keep it at all cost “sell it not.”
   1. There is no object or pleasure on earth worth sacrificing the Truth of God.
   2. There is no wealth worth straying from the truth.
   3. No plan or work which leads astray from the truth is worth forsaking or straying from the truth.
   4. There is no suffering worth forsaking the truth, even death.
3. Application of the truth: (Also wisdom and instruction, and understanding)
   1. Wisdom:
      Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
      1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
   2. Instruction: How to apply the truth
      2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
   3. Understanding:
      2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
      1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Let us earnestly stand for and preach and live only for the Truth of the Word of God.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.