Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Proverbs 16:20 ESV

The natural interpretation of this verse would seem to refer to our words, our speech. Giving thought to the word, therefore, would be guarding one’s mouth, considering carefully beforehand what is about to be said. How then would this understanding connect to the second clause?

Perhaps it is teaching that we cannot perfectly guard our words, so we must trust the LORD to ultimately provide our blessing. Good is certainly discovered through giving thought to one’s words, but since we will often speak foolishly, we must trust in the goodness of God.

Maybe.

Yet also, I believe that we can interpret this in light of the New Testament.

What would the word then be?

First, the written Word of God. Psalm 1 affirms the validity of this. The man who meditates, giving thought, attention, and time to God’s law, is blessed.

He discovers good.

Such meditation is itself the opening act of trusting in the LORD. To pour over God’s revealed Word day and night in expectation of being blessed is an act of faith.

The second understanding of the word would be Jesus, the embodied Word of God. Even still, Jesus is set before us in His Word. We cannot know God without it. Rightly did the psalmist pray to have his heart inclined to the testimonies of the LORD!

May we pour over God’s Word as those who have discovered the very fountain of life.