This is one of my favorite verses. It reads:
NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
The verse starts with the letter of this stanza. From what I’ve read, it symbolizes faithfulness, humility, and the soul, and is associated with concepts of emergence, continuity, and the ability to increase and multiply. I don’t know if the author meant it as such, but I think deferring to God’s word does show faithfulness and humility, and helps us increase and multiply.
We live in a world with deception all around. Lies are spread by media, government officials, and even pastors. I must be aware of this and constantly reflect upon truth. Where do I turn for truth?
This verse tells me that God’s word is the lamp to my feet. It uses the symbolism of a man walking in the dark, needing to know where to step. The man’s lamp will light his way and keep him from stumbling. Likewise, God’s word will be the provide the direction we must go.
No, the bible won’t tell me directly if the story on the news is accurate, a lie, or (most likely) truth and lie intermingled. But it provides the firm basis on which I can analyze. First, I know that truth exists because I’m told so (Psalms 119:160, John 8:32, et al). I know that I should seek the truth, and indeed walk in truth (John 1:4). I do have the bible to rely upon (Psalms 119:105), plus I have the Holy Spirit to help me (John 16:13). Further, I need to hear multiple sides before determining for myself the truth of a matter (Proverbs 18:17). I need to be the one cross-examining my own biases, as well as things I hold as true. The bible provides a foundation of God’s law, and a foundation for wisdom.
While I think knowing the full truth in all matters is reserved for the Trinity, when a wise man follows the bible, calls upon the Holy Spirit to help, hears multiple contradictory views, and searches himself for biases, that man can make good forward progress without stumbling.
