Scripture Memory Prov. 22:17-21 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
Solomon’s admonition in Prov 22:18 is for you to keep the words of the wise within thee. The only way to do that is through scripture memory. Lately, I have heard people attempting to quote scripture. They mess it up so much until they end up believing something that God never said. You can’t do this. You must read what he said, study what he said and memorize what he said. By scripture memory you will know God’s words well enough to quote them exactly. They will talk with you and guide you all along the way. So, why should you memorize scripture? By scripture memory you will know:
God’s wise words – Prov 22:17 – we need wisdom. We often advise people to pray for God to give them wisdom. However, the great recorded wisdom of God is right here in your Bible. When you memorize scripture, you have the wisdom of God recorded in your heart. The Holy Spirit can recall it in you to guide you and to provide counsel to others, as well.
God’s pleasant words – Prov 22:18 – The Lord takes account of what we say. Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment [Matt 12:36]. Since we are here to please God, one of the best ways to please him is to speak as he speaks. That’s what Jesus did [Jn 8:28-29]. So, memorize his words and speak as the oracles of God [1 Pet 4:11].
God’s faithful words – Prov 22:19 – we must trust the Lord. Trust involves faith. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the words of God [Rom 10:17]. Scripture memory will increase your trust in the Lord. It will help you to trust him with all of your heart [Prov 3:5-6] all of the time.
God’s excellent words – Prov 22:20 – people say a lot of foolish things today. And much of what they say is embellished. They tell lies and are inclined to believe lies. God’s words are excellent words. No one can say what God said better than God said it. So, the best way to make an excellent point is to simply quote him. And the most effective way to quote him is from memory.
God’s certain words – Prov 22:21 – many times people repeat things about which they are not really sure and certain. If you quote the Lord in the context of what he said, you can be absolutely sure that what you said is so. If you say, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” you can be 100% certain that what you said is so. Even though every scientist would argue against you [and they won’t all argue against you because many scientists believe what God said], you would be right and they would be wrong. Scripture memory increases your certainty of God and what God said.
God’s true words – Prov 22:21 – Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We walk in liberty when we are filled with the Holy Ghost [2 Cor 3:17]. And the best way to enjoy our liberty is in the truth whereby we are made free. Scripture memory increases our liberty in Christ and gives us an absolute standard by which to judge every thought and motive in our hearts. And when you are called into question you can answer with the truth like Jesus did every time he was challenged by the scribes and Pharisees. As America declines into moral degradation you must be able to answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee.
Conclusion: Scripture memory is a must for Christians who want wisdom, who want to please God, who want to strengthen their faith in Christ, who want to live in truth and certainty and who want to be right when they speak. So, get started memorizing scripture.