Key scripture – “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7b, ESV).

God speaks to us through all He has created and all He has written.

Psalm 19:7 is prompting us to consider the faithfulness of Scripture in moving us from ignorance to wisdom. The word “testimony” depicts God as witnessing to Himself. While we can learn from other believers’ experiences, this is the Lord Himself taking the witness stand, testifying, “This is who I Am. This is what I’m like. This is what I will do.” God is not required to tell us about Himself, but He does, and His love for us ensures that He reveals to us just what we need to know. This verse also affirms that the Lord’s self-revelation is sure—dependable, durable, and trustworthy. God’s Word is the real thing and consistent with His character.

We all share a common setback. We aren’t just stubborn and hardhearted, we’re naïve and foolish. We’re simple. But the good thing is, the testimony of the Lord is so sure, it “makes wise the simple.”

The word simple alludes to an open or unguarded mind, a hallmark of someone easily led astray. A simple mind is like a house with the front and back doors wide open. An idea strolls in and is embraced without question. Then another thought blows in, and the simple person pins their hopes on the latest featured guest, acclaimed author, or self-help program. This simple mind can’t discern what matters, because it doesn’t have the capacity to feel the weight of what is wise and substantive vs. light, fluffy, and foolish. In contrast, a wise mind opens judiciously, discerns the value of ideas, and embraces godly wisdom.

The testimony of the Lord is so sure, it can transform a foolish, vacillating, undiscerning person into a wise and stable one. We’ve all been that deer-in-the-headlights kind of person—an easy mark for worldly thinking. But when God’s Word pours wisdom into our lives, it becomes evident in our comments, insights, and understanding. Others may marvel over the transformation, but we know where it comes from: regular exposure to His powerful, life-giving Word.

Wisdom isn’t related to intelligence, academic training, or even life experience. It comes from God, and He gives it generously to all who seek and ask. “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.” (Proverbs 8:17) and “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” (James 1:5–8).

Start today and everyday by pursuing wisdom in the “testimony of the LORD” and leave “simple” in the rearview mirror, and you won’t be disappointed.

Look back over your life for the past year, what parts of God’s Word have become more familiar to you? How have you grown into a wiser person as a result of the truth of Scripture implanted in you?

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing me from the darkness of not knowing You at all. Thank You that You are growing me in wisdom and that You offer me more and more as I immerse my mind in Your Word. Forgive me for when I have placed pride in my own insights instead of Your Word. I proclaim what David proclaimed in Psalm 19, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11). Thank You that Your wisdom is an inexhaustible supply.”All who obey Your commandments will grow in wisdom.” (Psalm111:10b). I can never reach the end of knowing You and learning from You. “For You grant us wisdom and from Your mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6). Thank You for wisdom personified in Your Son, Jesus Christ, in Whose Name I pray, Amen.