Bull and Bear MarketProverbs 23:23 reads like the advise of a stock broker on Wall Street in the midst of a Bull Market—“Buy, Buy, Buy…Sell it not!”

Proverbs 23:23 – “Buy [acquire; purchase; get] the truth [firmness; certainty], and sell [surrender; sell away; put a price on] it not; also wisdom [from experience; the knowledge and ability to make right choices], and instruction [correction; reproof], and understanding [insight; discernment].

I am not an expert when it comes to knowing when to buy or sell stocks; however, there are many who make and lose fortunes trading on Wall Street.  I know it is essential for traders and investors to know What to buy…When to buy…and When to sell!Wall Street

In today’s proverb, Solomon’s advises his son to “Buy” [lit. invest in] four things and never sell them.  Truth, Wisdom, Instruction and Understanding are in Solomon’s estimation, priceless.

Let’s take a moment and briefly examine the four qualities Solomon urges his son to acquire and never sell.

1) Buy Truth What is Truth?The Word of God and Jesus Christ, the Living Word is Truth! The psalmist wrote, “Thy law is the truth” (Psalm 119:142).  The widow of Zarephath hearing the “word of the Lord” in the mouth of the prophet Elijah confessed, “in thy mouth is truth” (1 Kings 17:24).  Christ testified of Himself, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  Praying for His disciples, Christ prayed to His Father, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

Buy the truth2) Buy Wisdom – As we have seen throughout our study of Proverbs, this wisdom comes only by a personal knowledge of God and His Word.  It is godly wisdom that enlightens the soul and gives us discernment of right and wrong.

3) Buy Instruction – Value as priceless the corrections and rebuke of God and godly counselors [parents, pastors and teachers].

4) Buy Understanding – The fourth priceless quality is the discernment that only comes through the study of God’s Word and a lifetime experience of walking in the way and doctrines of the Lord.

Solomon’s advise—Get the Truth, put your faith in Christ the Living Word, and never sell Him out—no amount of success, fame or fortune is worth selling your soul and abandoning the Truth—Christ, the Living Word!

Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith