BUY THE TRUTH & SELL IT NOT

By Akin Ojumu

 “Buy Truth, Sell It Not,” is currently the name I use my WhatsApp alongside DP “Truth Matters.” And it has been so for a while now, and I don’t intent to change it any time soon. Derived from the Book of Proverbs, “Buy Truth, Sell It Not,” is a Biblical precept I deliberately chose to highlight the importance of contending for the Truth of the Gospel in a world subsumed in an avalanche of false teachings and doctrines of demons. 

Proverbs 23:23

“Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.”

Proverbs 23:23 (KJV)

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”

Proverbs 23:23 (BSB)

“Invest in truth and never sell it – in wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

The reason I adopted Proverbs 23:23 is to communicate to everyone in my circle of influence what I consider to be the highest purpose and ultimate goal in life. It is me making it unequivocally clear my summum bonum. And that singular goal is an unwavering and indefatigable fidelity to the truth of the Word of God as taught by the original Twelve Apostles.

So, what exactly does Proverbs 23:23 mean? 

For the answer, let me share with you what I learned in my own study of the text from the Bible Hub website.

1) Invest in truth

The call to invest in truth emphasizes the value of truth as a foundational principle in life. In biblical terms, truth is often associated with God’s Word and His Commandments.

Psalm 119:160 (BSB)

“The entirety of your Word is Truth, and all your righteous judgments endure forever.”

The Hebrew concept of truth, “emet,” implies faithfulness and reliability. In a historical context, truth was a scarce commodity, often overshadowed by deceit and falsehood, as seen in the warnings of false prophets.

Jeremiah 14:14

“The prophets are prophesying lies in my name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.”

Investing in truth suggests a commitment to seeking and upholding God’s truth, which is eternal and unchanging.

John 17:17

“Sanctify them in the Truth; your Word is Truth.”

2) And Never Sell It

The admonition to never sell truth underscores its priceless nature. Selling truth can be understood as compromising or abandoning it for personal gain or convenience. This echoes the biblical theme of steadfastness in faith, as seen in the story of Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal. 

Hebrews 12:16 (BSB)

“See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.”

The cultural context of ancient Israel valued covenants and promises, and selling truth would be akin to breaking a sacred covenant. This phrase calls believers to hold fast to their convictions and not trade them for worldly benefits. 

Matthew 16:26

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Now, by “their convictions,” what this refers to are convictions that align with historical biblical understanding of Scriptures as passed down by the original Twelve Apostles. Convictions not based on traditional teachings of the original Apostles of the First Century Church are nothing but satanic lies.

3) In Wisdom

Wisdom in the biblical sense is more than knowledge; it is the application of knowledge in a godly manner. Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, urging the pursuit of wisdom as a path to life.

Proverbs 3:13-18

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”

Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8, where it is depicted as calling out to humanity. 

Proverbs 8:1-11

“Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.”

The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme in Scripture, with Solomon being a prime example of one who sought wisdom above all else.

1 Kings 3:9-13

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.”

Wisdom is seen as a divine gift that leads to righteous living and decision-making.

4) And Instruction

Instruction refers to the teaching and discipline necessary for growth in understanding and character. In the biblical context, instruction is often linked to the law and commandments given by God.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

“…And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

The Hebrew word for instruction, “musar,” implies correction and guidance, akin to a father instructing his child.

Proverbs 3:11-12

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

This reflects the cultural importance of mentorship and learning from elders and leaders. Instruction is vital for developing discernment and aligning one’s life with God’s will.

5) And Understanding

Understanding is the ability to discern and comprehend the deeper truths of life. It involves insight and perception, going beyond surface-level knowledge. In Scripture, understanding is often associated with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

The pursuit of understanding is encouraged throughout the Bible, as it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound grasp of His purposes.

Ephesians 1:17-18

“…That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”

Understanding is seen as a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate life’s complexities with clarity and purpose.

In a world where truth has become fungible, and in an age where alternative reality is pushed as a narrative, it is important to invest in the Truth. Once obtained, it is equally important that we build an impenetrable fortress around it in order to preserve and not lose it.

=======

Disclaimer: This commentary borrowed from commentary on Proverbs 23:23 posted on the Bible Hub website.