DEC 16
December 16.
"Buy the truth—and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding." Proverbs 23:23
It is not with money that we buy the truth; the price we must pay is our self-will, our pride, our self-confidence. We ought, however, to yield ourselves utterly to the truth, and should do it promptly. He who will not pay any price, however great, to be true—is losing where he seems to be saving.
There is a legend of King Tarquin and the sibyl. The old woman came into the king's presence with nine large books, containing prophecies and counsels concerning Rome. She offered them for sale, but asked a price so high, that the king hesitated to buy them. "Wait until tomorrow," said the king. Next day she came again, but with only six books, having destroyed three; and for the six she asked twice as much as she had asked for the nine. Tarquin again declined to purchase, and the woman again withdrew.
Once more she came, this time with only three of the volumes, and asking a yet higher price! Tarquin dared delay no longer, and purchased the books at the cost of half his treasure, for they were of great value to him.
Likewise, the truth is offered to us, but at a high price. If we delay, less and less is offered to us, and it ever costs us more to buy. The best time to begin to buy God's truth—is in gentle youth. We buy it when we live it, no matter at what sacrifice.