OT Promises 378: A Pleasant Thing

Proverbs 22:17-18 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall be fitted in thy lips.

If you hear the Word of God, ”the words of the wise and wisdom’s knowledge,” then it will be a pleasant thing, and His words shall be fit for your speaking. The words of the wise and the practical application of the knowledge of God and keeping it in your heart is equivalent to believing in Jesus and doing what He says. Simply put: believing God is a pleasant way to live!

We would live a sweet and pleasant life, a good and happy life, if we could keep the Law of God. But we can’t, because we are sinners. Then we hear and believe the Gospel, which forgives our sin and grants the desire and the power to keep the Law better. The result of repentance and faith in the Gospel is a pleasant life. That is what we believe and ask for when we pray the Lord’s Prayer. We become better people living a pleasant life. God answers that prayer, for that is His will: He wants us to live a pleasant and happy life.

“Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” It is our sin, pride, stubbornness, and selfishness that keeps us from enjoying a really pleasant life. The key is daily repentance and faith that opens up the promise of Wisdom. And surrender to the kingdom rule of God yields the good life. We pray, “Thy kingdom come.”