How does Proverbs 23:23 connect with John 14:6 about truth? Two Passages, One Pulsebeat Proverbs 23:23 calls, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” John 14:6 declares, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” What “Buy the Truth” Means • “Buy” implies a decisive, costly transaction—pursue truth whatever the price. • “Do not sell” warns against trading truth for comfort, popularity, or gain. • The verse couples truth with “wisdom, instruction, and understanding,” showing truth is practical, lived, and progressive. Truth Has a Name • In John 14:6, truth is not merely a concept; it is a Person—Jesus Christ. • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, His statement is exclusive: He alone is the truth; every competing claim must be measured against Him (Acts 4:12). • Therefore, to “buy the truth” is ultimately to embrace Christ Himself. Bridging Solomon and Jesus • Solomon urges us to acquire truth; Jesus reveals He is that truth. • Proverbs speaks of paying any cost; John reveals the greatest cost was already paid—Christ’s own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Holding on to truth in Proverbs echoes abiding in Jesus in John 15:4-5. Sell Him, and we forfeit life itself. Living It Out • Guard the gospel: never dilute Christ’s exclusive claim (Galatians 1:6-9). • Invest time and resources in Scripture, where truth is written (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:160). • Test every idea, trend, or teaching against the standard of Jesus and His Word (1 John 4:1; Ephesians 4:21). • Share truth boldly—the same way we would offer a priceless treasure we could never replace (2 Corinthians 4:5-7). Reinforcing Scriptures • John 1:14—“The Word became flesh… full of grace and truth.” • John 17:17—“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” • 3 John 4—“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” To heed Proverbs 23:23 is to come to, cling to, and continue in the Lord Jesus Christ, the living embodiment of truth announced in John 14:6. |
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