Last week we used saying number twenty-six.  This week we will begin with saying number one. Proverbs 22:17-21; “17 Incline your ear and hear [Shema…hear with the intent to obey] the words of the wise, and apply your mind [Hebrew word lev which means heart] to my [wisdom’s] knowledge; 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep [guard] them within [Hebrew beten the word for belly, implying deep inside where nourishment happens] you, that they may be ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in YHVH, I [wisdom] have taught you today, even you.  20 Have I [wisdom] not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, 21 to make you know [intimately] the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?”

 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “15 but sanctify Messiah as Master in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Messiah will be put to shame [Won’t be justified in what they say].”

The only way that we will be able to “make a defense”, “give an account” or “correctly answer” is to place the Word within us so that it is second nature and without a thought, we will know how to respond.  Another way to say it is that muscle memory will automatically know what to do or say without hesitation.

In the natural doctor’s say one of the things used to keep the mind sharp is to exercise your brain through memorization; our Creator knew this all along.  This is how He designed us.  Through His Word we learn to live a life of delight, devotion, and dependence on Him and this is foundational to our faith.  May we commit today to be faithful to read the Word and hide it in our hearts and wisdom will surely shine forth from us!!

Shalom & Blessings,

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a