The Value of the Truth

The Old Testament is filled with wonderful teaching about the love of God and the greatness of His commandments. Even though we are not to practice the Old Testament methods of worship, there are great lessons in those books of God that are as true today as they were in that time long ago.

One such amazing verse is Proverbs 23:23, which says, "Buy the truth, and do not sell it." This verse shows that the truth of God is of highest value. We need to do everything we can to get it. We may have to work hard, or even give up some things (or people) of importance in order to have the truth.

Do you remember the teaching of Jesus about the man who found a treasure buried in a field (Matthew 13:44)? The treasure was so valuable, the man went and sold everything he had to buy the field, so he could own the treasure. Jesus told another story about a merchant who sold all he had to buy a valuable pearl (Matthew 13:45-46). By these stories, the Lord was showing the great value of the kingdom of heaven. There is great treasure in the truth of the kingdom.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, except by me" (John 14:6). How valuable is the truth of God! It leads us to heaven and our heavenly Father.

When we have the truth, we need to keep it. It is most precious. We need to be careful not to sell it for the pleasures of this life or for the approval of others. This may not be easy when others are tempting us to do what is wrong and to be "one of the gang."

Jesus said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Freedom is a wonderful blessing. Such a blessing of liberty is not without responsibility. The apostle John taught, "He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4). When we are obedient to the truth of God, we have freedom from guilt and freedom to go to heaven. Let's do everything we can to learn and practice the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. What a great treasure will be ours when we have the truth!

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