“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver
tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”
(Psalm 12:6)
The ultimate guide for living is found in the wisdom of Scripture, and yet it has the fewest followers. God’s infallible Word is the greatest treasure we can possess, and yet its truths are ignored by most. The Gospel offers the only remedy for our common disease, and yet men do not seek to apply it. And though God’s promises have stood the test of time, they are doubted and even dismissed as irrelevant by the majority of humanity.
Despite the perfection and benefit found in the words of Scripture, they garner little attention or acceptance in the world. Few choose to believe, love, or submit to it. The majority of men desire rather to follow the world’s teachings which are like shifting sand that cannot withstand trials—like Israel’s unreliable bow in battle and the seasonal brooks of Tema that dry up in summer.[1] It is astounding that such unpredictable worldly philosophies and untested ideas receive more attention, affection, and acceptance than the eternal teachings of Christ.
On the other hand, Christ’s words are the solid rock upon which the wise build their lives because they understand these truths are the testimony of what He has seen and heard directly from God, the source of all wisdom. When a person both hears and sees a thing, they possess a sure knowledge of it. So it follows that because Jesus’ teachings are based on what He has seen and heard from the Father, they are completely true and free from error and therefore can be trusted.
Further, a child of God can draw comfort and assurance for living from the words of Scripture for they are to him pure light without darkness, a perfect rule that never fails, and silver purified seven times with no dross (Psalm 12:6). Christ’s words are sure and steadfast (2 Peter 1:19), a foundation that cannot be shaken (Ephesians 2:20), a fountain of living water that is pure and constant (Jeremiah 2:13), and more enduring than the world itself (Matthew 5:18). Everything else is temporary, even the world we live in. But God’s Word abides forever. As Matthew 24:35 reminds us, “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
So may we say with the psalmist, “Through thy precepts I get understanding; [therefore] I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments” (Psalm 119:104, 106).
Contemplations:
- Reflecting on the Purity of God’s Word. I am continually awed by the purity and reliability of God’s Word. Every promise shines like silver refined in a furnace, tried and tested and proven true through every circumstance. Knowing His Word never fails strengthens my confidence and trust in Him.
- Trusting the Most Reliable Guide. Matthew 5:18 says, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Despite the changing nature of human wisdom and worldly philosophies, Christ’s words stand true forever. Knowing that not even a single aspect of His Word will fail until everything is accomplished helps me look to His guidance in all aspects of life, for I know His Word will endure.
- Embracing Christ’s Understanding. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the embodiment of truth in its fullness. His teachings arise out of His complete and perfect understanding, a fullness of knowledge that says I can trust His guidance without reservation. When I encounter doubts or conflicting ideas, returning to the certainty of Christ’s words brings clarity and direction. His truth is a light that leads me safely through life.
- Finding Peace in Tried Silver. I find comfort in knowing that God’s promises are like silver tried and purified. This imagery assures me that His words are not only pure but also enduring and trustworthy. This helps me navigate my challenges because I know His words will preserve me and guide me securely.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
O Lord God Almighty, whose words are pure and flawless, I come before You with a heart full of thanksgiving. Your Word is a treasure beyond all earthly riches, a sure foundation upon which my life may safely stand. I thank You that You have spoken with clarity, with holiness, and with absolute truth, giving Your people a light that never dims and a guide that never leads astray.
I thank You that Your Word remains unbroken and unshaken through all generations. While the voices of this world rise and fall, Your voice continues with unwavering certainty. You have preserved Your Word through storms, persecutions, and neglect so that I might hold it in my hands today. For this gift alone I offer You my deepest gratitude.
Lord, I thank You that the Scriptures reveal Your Son, the Living Word, who came from the Father full of grace and truth. His teachings are perfect because they proceed from perfect knowledge. He has seen and heard all that is in the Father, and He has made it known. In a world of confusion and error, Your truth stands as a pillar of life and hope.
I thank You that Your Word searches my heart, guides my steps, comforts my sorrows, corrects my sins, and strengthens my faith. When I am weary, it gives rest. When I am fearful, it gives courage. When I am doubting, it gives assurance. When I am tempted, it gives escape. Truly, O God, Your Word is life to my soul.
Help me cherish Your Scriptures, to read them with reverence, to meditate on them with delight, to obey them with sincerity, and to defend them with boldness. Let my life reflect the purity of Your truth, and let Your Word dwell richly in me so that I may honor You in all things.
Thank You, Father, for giving me what cannot be shaken, what cannot fail, what will never pass away. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. For this priceless gift, I give You thanks, now and forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture for Psalm 12:6:
Psalm 37:28; Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5; Mark 12:24
[1] Alexander Grosse, The Buddings and Blossomings of Old Truths (London: W. Bentley for Andrew Crook, at the Sign of the Green Dragon in Paul’s Churchyard, 1656), 297.
