Tried and True

“This God – His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” - Psalm 18:30

Have you ever heard of a plumb line? It is a tool that consists of a small, heavy object attached to a string or rope used to see if something (such as a wall) is perfectly vertical. Plumb lines have been used since ancient times. As a carpenter by trade, Jesus probably even owned and used some form of a plumb line. 

References to the use of a plumb line in Scripture almost always refer to how righteously (this word literally means “upright”) people stood according to God’s Word. In fact, much of the purpose of Old Testament prophets was to warn God’s people of how crooked and warped they had become. Here is an example from the prophet Amos: “This is what He showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘A plumb line.’ Then the Lord said, ‘Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel; I will never again pass by them; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword,’” (Amos 7:7-9). 

This condemnation wasn’t just about God’s people back then. The Lord is unchanging. What He said was wrong then is just as wrong today. And the promises and truths of His Word are also just as relevant today because God and His Word are timeless and perfect.

The Bible should always be our plumb line for truth and upright living. The psalmist knew this. In Psalm 18:30 he described God’s Word as perfect and proven true. That phrase, “proves true” literally means that God’s Word has been refined…tested with fire, and proven true and perfect. Psalm 12:6 echoes this truth. “The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.” 

The truth revealed in God’s Word has been abundantly tested and it still stands. It has been tested by the friends of God and found to be all that it promised to be. It has been tested by all the changes that have occurred in human history and has been found trustworthy and right. It has been tested by all the advancements made in science, literature, philosophy, and the arts and it has shown itself fitted to everyone. It has survived every effort made to destroy or undermine it. Past, present, and future, it has stood and will continue to stand as an unfailing source of light and comfort to all generations.

Father, please help me to always remember that Your Word is the plumb line of truth. May I be found righteous in Your Son, Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.