“3When I was a son with my father (David), Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother (Bathsheba), 4He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live. 5“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 4:3-5 AMP

We are exploring the issue of hearing the voice of God and the Holy Spirit. Today’s verse is from a directive given to Soloman from his father King David. It was by God of David that he was “a man after My own heart.” (Acts 13:22) If that be the case, we should listen also! The first thing I see is that we must “hold fast” to God’s Words! The Hebrew word used here means “to grasp an object with firmness: to give aid and help to something.” The picture here is of a man drowning in the ocean to which a life preserver has been thrown! Notice that the verse goes on to say, “KEEP my commandments and live!” Each one of us desires to live the abundant life. The challenge is putting God’s Word to use in our lives. This is a conditional promise about having abundant life! Remember the words of Jesus?

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP

In John 10:10, Jesus defines “abundant life” not as a life of worldly wealth or ease, but as a life of spiritual fullness and eternal joy found through a relationship with Him, marked by joy, peace, and a secure connection with God. This life is complete and harmonious, in contrast to the destructive goals of others who seek to steal and destroy. King David then qualifies what type of wisdom this consists of. Look at the next verses. We see words used like “Get Godly wisdom; Acquire understanding; Actively seek SPIRITUAL discernment; Mature comprehension; Logical comprehension.” It seems currently, people are seeking everything except those things. This process is spelled out in the first verse of this Psalm.

“Hear, O children, the instruction of a father, And pay attention [and be willing to learn] so that you may gain understanding and intelligent discernment.” Proverbs 4:1 AMP

The word translated “pay attention” is the Hebrew word meaning to “incline toward or to bend.” It speaks pf a place of humility and openness to hearing the truth whether we agree with it or not! I love the Amplified translation here “be willing to learn.” We now live in a culture that simply wants to ignore the truth and live pretending that reality doesn’t exist. The last part of that verse commands us to have “intelligent discernment.” Discernment is the process of gathering the facts, exploring their validity and then bringing ourselves into line with the answer. The problem today is that people start with the answer then redefine the facts to support it! That practice is defined as pride. When we are unable to recognize reality, we can justify almost anything! 

I encourage you today to be in a position of inclining your ear unto the Lord. God is not afraid of any questions you may have regardless of how difficult they may seem. The question is, are you willing to hear the correct answer? Have a surrendered day! Pastor Ken