Pro 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
I don't know which version of the Bible each of you studies in . . . personally, I think it is a good thing to use different translations, to understand the text so that the Spirit can teach us. Most of the time I begin my studies with the King James version, and then if needed, I clarify my understanding with another. That's why I sometimes list the verses, and then look at the individual words. Sometimes you can get a lot out of the meanings.
Verse 27 mentions the spirit of man -- it's also translated "breath" or "soul" in other spots. I was really intrigued by the thought of our soul, or maybe our conscience, being the candle used by the Lord. That candle can search within us, and bring things to our attention and truly bother us! I'm not sure how it is translated in your Bible, but here's another interesting word: the word up there that is translated "parts" comes from a root that means "compartments." Are we guilty sometimes of compartmentalizing our lives? Do we keep things in boxes? This goes in the box labeled "anyone can see." But this goes in the box labeled "don't show to anyone else." Hmmmm, our conscience will needle us about that box.
A little off subject, but do you remember Jiminy Cricket? He tried and tried to advise Pinocchio, but he just wouldn't listen.
We can use what our conscience tells us, and the Lord can use it, too. Matthew Henry says that our conscience can "praise what is good, condemn what is otherwise, and judge the thoughts and intents of the heart."
But of course, we have to listen.
Listening to my conscience... That's hit and miss for me I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI can see the Holy Spirit winding Its way through my soul, holding a candle in Its grip, searching.....