It is the glory of God to conceal things,

But the glory of kings is to search things out.

(Proverbs 25:2)

As a practical means of discipleship it is useful to meditate on God’s word, especially passages which the Holy Spirit draw to our attention and really capture our interest. This proverb was one such verse for myself. It sounds so grand! It uses words such as “glory” and “conceal” and “search.” But what does it mean?

Firstly, it is the glory of God to conceal things. God’s glory is His marvellous character. Whilst He freely and openly shows us many things in His Word (His revealed will, c.f. Dt 29:29), He likewise “conceals” things. Perhaps this is buried treasure in His Word that needs to be mined out, or perhaps even His hidden, secret will that we can only come to know through much prayer, and sometimes not at all. Our God is a glorious God and this means He conceals wonderful things so that they will be all the more glorious to us once revealed (or remain a mystery showing Himself to be the sovereign Lord).

Secondly, but the glory of kings is to search things out. The glory, or character of kings, is to search out the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10) and to delight in them. Kings had the time for such pursuits and were expected to be wise. We may not all be royalty but if we are Christians then we are a royal priesthood and we too are called (1 Pe 2:9) to act kingly by searching the Scriptures and being made wise unto salvation (2 Ti 3:15) and to grow in our knowledge of the Lord. So let’s not stand aloof from the Bible but search it out!

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris