Knowing God

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me … for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV

Miles Smith was passionate about God’s Word. Because of this passion and his mastery of ancient languages, he was chosen to help edit the King James Bible. Smith was assigned to help translate the prophets.

Once the preliminary work was finished, a small number of scholars (including Smith) edited the entire Bible. Smith was asked to write the preface.

In “The Translators to the Readers” preface, Smith stated that the Bible was divinely inspired. The original was “from Heaven, not from earth; the author being God, not man.” And the Holy Spirit inspired it.

Smith knew the blessings available to those who loved God’s Word. In a passage Smith helped to translate, Jeremiah wrote that we should glory not in our accomplishments or resources but in understanding and knowing God.

Smith echoed this by writing, “Happy is the man that delighteth in the Scripture.” Even more blessed are those who meditate on it constantly.

After pouring over the Scriptures in the original languages, he concluded, “What truth, what saving truth, without the word of God? What word of God, whereof we may be sure, without the Scripture?”

The Bible reminds us why God wants us to delight in His Word. Don’t just read the Bible. Meditate on it. Study it. May these divinely inspired words guide you.

Reflection Question: Are you passionate about the Word of God?