Psalm 119:130 – “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
Living in an era when negligence, irresponsibility, and blame shifting have become an art form for youth and adults, it is little wonder we are in the midst of a society that readily heaps blame on those foolish enough to accept guilt for the sinful actions of another.
A son comes home from school with a discipline letter and gullible parents side with their child without getting the facts and erode not only the teacher’s authority, but their own. A teenage daughter gets into trouble and, rather than confronting the sin and appropriately disciplining her, parents grapple with guilt and ask, “Where did we go wrong?” Young adults break the law, defy law officers, resist arrest, and society and public media readily crucify the officer and fail to address the heart of the issue which is the issue of a sinful, defiant heart!
It is a ruse when we entertain the arguments of children guilty of sin and place the fault on parents, teachers or other authorities that had to deal with the consequences of that child’s misdeeds. There are no perfect parents in the world and it is time we all accept that reality; however, it is foolhardy for parents and society to accept culpability for the sinful actions and attitudes of children, teens and young adults and fail to place on their shoulders the burden and consequences of their attitudes and actions. My friend, sinful attitudes have a profound affect on life and they are a choice!
The good news is, you can change your attitude! We are in the midst of a devotional study from Psalm 119:129-144 that sets forth 14 qualities of a thriving soul that loves and abounds in the Word, Law, Statutes, Precepts, Testimonies, and Judgments of the LORD. We have so far considered the first two action principles that encourage spiritual growth and change.
- Be passionate: The testimonies of the LORD are “wonderful” (119:129a).
- Be obedient: Keep God’s testimonies (119:129b).
Our third principle for growth and change is: Be a learner: Open your heart to God’s Word. The psalmist writes:
Psalm 119:130 – “The entrance [opening; unfolding] of thy words [sayings; commandment] giveth light [shines; enlightens]; it giveth understanding [discernment; prudence] unto the simple [foolish; silly].”
My friend, the natural inclination of a sinful heart is to turn away from the light of God’s Word (John 3:19-21). Whether you are a parent wrestling with the sinful heart of a child or contending with your own proclivity to wander from the LORD; we are by nature lovers of darkness because our “deeds are evil” (John 3:19)! One’s response to the Word of God is indicative of his relationship with the Light giver! Jesus taught His disciples:
John 3:19-21 – “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
The psalmist not only loved the Words of the LORD because they gave light (119:130a), but also because they gave “understanding [discernment] unto the simple” (119:130b). The hope for a “simple”, foolish, immoral fool is the wisdom God’s Word imparts to a soul hungry enough to seek it.
The Word of God gives light to the soul and a man who is ready to turn from a path of sin finds correction, hope and comfort in its Truth.
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith