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

Examples of men who refused to sell the truth: [1] Daniel would not compromise God’s truth even when threatened with death in the lions’ den. [2] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – they refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s image even when facing the fiery furnace. [3] Paul the Apostle endured imprisonment, persecution, beatings, and hardship because he would not abandon the gospel.

Four things to buy and never sell: [1] Truth is God’s revealed reality. It protects from deception, false doctrine, spiritual confusion, and eternal ruin. Without truth, there can be no genuine wisdom. [2] Wisdom is the practical application of truth. Truth tells us what is right; wisdom enables us to apply it correctly. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (4:7). [3] Instruction refers to correction, discipline, and teaching. Many desire knowledge but resist correction. Yet instruction is one of God’s primary tools for developing maturity. A teachable person continues growing throughout life. [4] Understanding is the ability to discern meaning, perceive relationships, and grasp the deeper significance of truth. It enables a person to make sound judgments, avoid deception, and navigate life’s complexities. Understanding transforms knowledge into discernment.

Scripture repeatedly emphasises the supreme value of wisdom and truth: “Get wisdom, get understanding” (4:5). “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (16:16). Gold and silver may enrich a person temporarily, but wisdom enriches both time and eternity.

To be continued…

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

Although salvation is God’s gift, spiritual growth often comes at a cost. Truth may require [1] Time – One must devote time to reading Scripture, prayer, study, meditation, and learning. Wisdom is rarely acquired instantly. [2] Humility – Truth often confronts cherished opinions and personal pride. A teachable spirit is willing to say: “I was wrong.” Pride resists truth; humility embraces it. [3] Sacrifice – Many believers throughout history have paid dearly for the truth. Some have sacrificed reputation, friendships, careers, possessions, freedom, and even their lives. Yet they considered truth worth more than temporary comfort. [4] Obedience – Truth is not fully possessed until it is practised. Knowledge without obedience produces spiritual stagnation. God reveals more truth to those who walk in the truth they already know.

‘Sell it not.’ Once truth has been obtained, it must never be exchanged for anything else. Many people “sell” truth for popularity, acceptance, wealth, convenience, pleasure, compromise, fear of opposition, or worldly success. The believer must refuse every offer that requires abandoning God’s truth. Truth is too valuable to trade away. A person may lose many earthly things and still recover, but once truth is abandoned, the consequences can be devastating.

To be continued…

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

This verse contains one of the strongest exhortations in the book of Proverbs concerning the value of spiritual treasures. Solomon compares truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding to precious commodities that must be acquired at any cost and never surrendered.

The language of buying and selling is figurative. The truth cannot be purchased with money, but it often requires a significant investment of time, effort, humility, sacrifice, prayer, study, and obedience.

The message is clear: whatever it costs to obtain God’s truth is worth paying, and whatever the world offers in exchange for it is not worth accepting.

‘Buy the truth, and sell it not.’ This means to acquire the truth by every rightful and godly means available and then hold firmly to it throughout life. The believer is to seek truth, learn truth, embrace truth, obey truth, defend truth, and preserve truth. Truth is not something to admire from a distance; it is something to possess and live by.

Many people are willing to pay great prices for education, property, careers, status, investments, and pleasure, yet neglect the pursuit of divine truth, which is infinitely more valuable.

To be continued…