In John Bunyan’s allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and his companion, Faithful, must travel through the town of Vanity on their Way to the Celestial City. The town represents the conceit and craftiness of the world in its opposition against God as it dresses up sin to appear desirable and appealing. The merchants at Vanity Fair cry out in an attempt to entice the pilgrims to set their affections on the things of the world. But Christian and Faithful have found something more valuable and more precious than anything this world can offer. When they are asked what they would buy, they respond, “We buy the truth.”
Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
(Proverbs 23:23)
The truth we hold dear is the Word of God.
The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
(Psalm 119:160)
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth (John 17:17).
If we are to find the way to life and peace and joy, we must tune out the noise of this world and listen intently to God in His Word. Christ alone is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Only He has “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
Two Voices Cry Out to Be Heard
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10).
“Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares” (Proverbs 1:20).
Two voices cry out to be heard;
Take heed, my soul, and listen well.
For only one voice leads to life,
The other down to death and hell.
The voice of sinners fills the streets,
There on the innocent they prey.
Take heed, my soul, do not consent,
Lest you with them be cast away.
The voice of wisdom cries aloud
Above the din of sin’s deceit.
“How long, you simple, will you choose
The evil way, the scoffer’s seat?”
It’s wisdom’s voice I long to hear
To guide my steps which way to go.
Her words of warning, I would heed;
Her wealth of knowledge, I would know.
Lord, help me find the righteous way;
Guide me in ev’ry thought and choice.
For You alone have words of life,
Atune my heart to love Your voice.
Let me hear clearly wisdom’s call;
Tune out the noise of sin’s allure.
Listen intently to God’s Word
And there in Christ find rest secure.
Words ©2018 Kenneth A Puls
Arranged to the tune: FEDERAL STREET
Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this hymn, including an arrangement of the tune FEDERAL STREET for classical guitar.
More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls
Above image from Unsplash