How can Proverbs 20:12 guide us in discerning truth in a noisy world? The Verse at a Glance “Ears that hear and eyes that see — the LORD has made them both.” (Proverbs 20:12) God-Given Senses: More Than Biology • The verse states plainly that our physical faculties originate with the Lord; therefore, He alone defines their purpose. • Because He is the Creator of hearing and sight, He also establishes the standard for what we ought to receive through them. • The statement is literal: every eye and ear is a deliberate work of God, designed for discernment, not merely experience. Stewarding Eyes and Ears in a Culture of Clamor • Ownership: Since God “has made them both,” He retains ultimate ownership; we are stewards, accountable for how we use our senses (cf. Matthew 25:14-30). • Direction: The Lord intends our senses to recognize His truth first (Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20) before processing human opinion. • Protection: The implication is that misuse is possible; eyes and ears can be dazzled and deceived (Genesis 3:6; 2 Peter 2:14). Practical Steps to Hear and See Truth 1. Filter every message through Scripture. – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 2. Invite the Spirit’s illumination before consuming information. – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) 3. Compare what you observe with the character of God revealed in Christ. – “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) 4. Limit exposure to persistent noise that dulls spiritual hearing. – “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) 5. Practice active listening to God’s Word more than passive scrolling. – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Safeguards from the Rest of Scripture • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1-3). • Renew the mind daily (Romans 12:2). • Ask for wisdom liberally (James 1:5). • Hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). A Closing Encouragement Because the Lord Himself fashioned your eyes and ears, you can trust Him to keep them sharp. As you submit each sense to His Word and Spirit, you will discern truth clearly, even when the world is deafening. |
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