It is through the inspired Word of God that you will be able “to gain a Godly perspective about things in your life.” 2nd Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Let’s break this verse down.

Every portion of God’s Word is PROFITABLE, which means it is for our good. As we read and study the Bible, we will be able to apply it to our life. God’s Mind and will are revealed in the scriptures and as we take in the Word of God, His thoughts and desires become our thoughts and desires. This means we will look at things in our life from His vantage point and thus we will have “a Godly perspective.”

The Bible is profitable “for doctrine.” All we really need to know about this life (and the life to come) is revealed to us in the Word of God. Some of the major doctrines (or “teachings”) of Scripture include the Holy Trinity, the Person and Work of Christ, the Second Coming of Christ, the Origin of the universe, Man’s creation and fall, salvation, sanctification, the church, and the eternal state.

The Bible is profitable “for reproof.” The word “reprove” means “to expose.” The Word of God will expose to us those things in our life that dishonor the Lord.

The Bible is profitable “for correction.” Once the Bible points out some sin in our life, it will also show us the right way to live. This reminds me of Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul; He leads in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Once we are saved the Lord Jesus become our “Shepherd” who will faithfully restore us when we sin and then lead us into a life of godliness, for His honor and glory.

The Bible is profitable “for instruction in righteousness.” We just referred to the Lord leading us “in the path of righteousness,” and He does this by giving us detailed instructions for every facet of our life.

Through the Word of God “the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The word “complete” means “mature.” The apostle Peter said in 1st Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” God expects us to “grow spiritually,” to mature to the point where we are “equipped for every good work.” We are not saved by good works, but the Lord saved us so we could live a life of doing good works. We often quote Ephesians 2:8-9 to show that we not saved by good works, yet verse 10 goes on to say, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This means that God has already planned out the good works He wants us to do in our individual lives.

Though the whole Bible is profitable, there is one book in particular that I often turn to “gain a Godly perspective about things in my life.” I’m referring to the book of Proverbs. In Proverbs 1:1-4 we read, “The proverbs of Solomon…to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” I would encourage you to read this book often, for it will give you the true knowledge and wisdom that you need to live a godly life for the glory of God and for your eternal blessing. (251.5) (DO)