Proverbs 20:27 "The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly."
I want to speak concerning our conscience. We talk about having a guilty
conscience or a clear conscience. What do we mean when we speak of our
conscience? Is it something that we have on our own that either clears or
convicts us of our thoughts and actions? Is it something that we have the
ability to determine on our own? "My conscience is convicting me."
Or, is verse 27 telling us exactly what our conscience consists of?
"The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD." Does God use the
very life within us to connect with His Holy Spirit? Who is the giver of life?
Who is the sustainer of life? Who gives and Who takes away? God does use
our very breath - that breath of life that comes from Him - as that light which
goes deep inside our own being to reveal the depth of our being.
The Psalmist requested of God, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try
me, and know my thoughts." (Psalm 139:23) There are many other passages
that speak to us concerning God's searching of our hearts and minds. David
wrote, "For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my
darkness." (Psalm 18:28) Ultimately, I cannot take credit for knowing
right from wrong. It is God that searches and it is God that reveals. It is by
God's grace that I feel the guilt of my actions. It is by God's grace that I am
able at times to do the right thing. Thank you Lord for searching and trying my
thoughts.