“For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light. Their corrective discipline is the way to life.” Proverbs 6:23-2 (NLT)
The whole idea behind this group, Journaling Through Proverbs, is my deep conviction that the Word is living, powerful, relevant, life giving and necessary for peace and hope. It is my personal experience that without being in the Word daily I lose peace of mind and become anxious, lost and am easily overwhelmed by basic life stuff, not to mention the big stuff. I am also aware that the habit of reading the Word daily can easily be skipped, and before you know it, you’ve gone days or weeks without time in the Word. My hope is that together we would create new habits or restore old habits of daily reading and journaling. And together we would encourage one another. So, I’m really loving this verse about the lamp and light, because I think it’s exactly why we are all here!
The word “command” here is the same word used for God’s 10 Commandments. The word “understanding” means teaching or instruction. When the lamp (or commands) is used properly, it can omit light from it. When we allow the Holy Spirit to instruct us in His Word, then it becomes light. This is a powerful picture of how God instruct and teaches us. We come to the Word and the Holy Spirit brings the understanding.
Then the verse goes onto say, “corrective discipline is the way to life.” Probably the part of Bible study that I would rather skip. I definitely look to the Word for encouragement, answers to my questions, to feel love and hope. But the Word is also there to bring me correction. I know that if I will submit to the correction and repent, then I can experience more life. AND, I must remember that the “corrective discipline” is FOR ME! Not for those around me I think have some issues. I’ve got to be real and honest; I need corrective discipline.
It can be so easy for me to read the Word and list all those who I think need to hear and apply what it says. But then, I’m totally missing it. His Word is for me. The commands, instruction and correction are for my life. And it is out of that process I can reflect Christ’s light to those around me. My prayer today is for greater insight into the Word. For the courage to allow it to transform my life, even when it is bringing correction. I desire to be submitted and changed by it.
I’m reminded of these two verses, so I am just going to put them here:
“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalms 119:105 (NLT)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize a what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3: 16 (NLT)
Share what God is speaking to you today in the comment section below or on our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.