reProverbs 16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

The Japanese is so much better than the NIV for this verse! Where the NIV says, “Gives heed to instruction,” the Japanese says, “Fixes the Word in his heart.” Where the NIV just says “prospers,” the Japanese says, “finds blessing.” In the second half, where the NIV says “trusts in,” the Japanese says “relies on.” Put together, that’s a pretty significant difference! The American public school system today is a good example of the reality that it makes a huge difference what instruction you give heed to. Some schools are pouring such rot into children and young people it’s a wonder the nation hasn’t disintegrated before now! However, if we fix the Word of God in our hearts we will find blessing indeed. I have no problem whatsoever with the statement that we should trust in the Lord, but sometimes we fail to apply that in practical terms. We say we trust God, but we rely on all sorts of human systems and devices instead of relying on Him. We sing with Dennis Jernigan, “You are my all in all,” but do we really mean it? God indeed works through doctors, governments, and all sorts of things, but if our reliance is on the tools rather than on God, we have some spiritual growing to do, to say the least.

This is of course as applicable to me as to anyone. I love to learn all sorts of things, but if my focus isn’t first on God’s Word and what He is saying to me, I will be led astray. I enjoy technology of all sorts, such as computers, but relying on them above God is an exercise in foolishness, not to mention frustration. I have been given various abilities, but there too, if I rely on the abilities instead of the One who gave them, I am headed for destruction (as it says in verse 18). I’ve got to place God first in every area of my life, in every part of my thinking and actions.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me live it out in practical terms, teaching others to do likewise, so that together we may grow to be the children and servants that You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!