Rev. Don Campbell
The “If’s” and “Then’s” of Understanding the Bible
“I’d give half my life to know the Scriptures like you do,” one man said to another. The other replied, “It takes more than that.”
Many people have read the Bible for years but seem to never grasp the message, knowing only proof texts and favorite excerpts. There are three conditional clauses in Proverbs 2, which chart the path to knowing and understanding God’s word.
We must first treasure God’s word: “My son, IF you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding” (vv. 1-2).
Second, we must offer earnest prayer: “and IF you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding (v.3).
Third, we must diligently dig: “and IF you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (vv. 4-6).
The degree to which we pray and dig for God’s truth is a measure of how much we cherish God’s truth.
