Truth and Tradition

(Proverbs 30:1 KJV)  The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

Many time we have things that we believe to be truth that are only tradition.  Truth is something that is eternal.  Tradition is what is accepted because someone in the past said so.  Tradition may be true, or not.  Truth may become traditional.  It is still and always truth.

The beginning of this verse in Proverbs reminds us of the difference between truth and tradition.  How do we know that Solomon wrote Proverbs?  We don’t.  We know he wrote most of it because it says so in the text but other portions, such as this, are attributed to other authors.  How do we know that Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew?  We don’t.  It is tradition.  It is a position that has been adopted by the church.  Is it true?  I think so but it is not an article of faith.  How do we know that Paul wrote Philippians?  It says so.  How do we know that Paul wrote Hebrews?  We don’t because that title is an affectation of the KJV.

So?  Believe and stand on what is true.  Enjoy the warmth and strength of traditions.  Know the difference.  Read the Word.