Ronald Reagan once famously quoted a Russian proverb during the 1980’s with respect to discussions on nuclear disarmament. The quote when translated is “Trust but verify.” No doubt this quote has been repeated by many in a variety of applications. There is great wisdom to be found in thoughtful contemplation especially in serious or even grave matters.

The scriptures teach us the benefits and consequences of whether we make the effort to verify the truth or wisdom of what is being presented to us. We read in I Kings 12 about a decision made by Rehoboam. He originally sought the counsel of those who were older. In verse 6 we read, “And King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, ‘How do you counsel me to answer this people?’”

We know from the text that Rehoboam forsook this counsel and asked the same question of his friends who were much younger. We read his response in verse 13, “And the king answered the people harshly, for he forsook the advice of the elders which they had given him.”

Many lessons and devotional talks have used these passages to speak to those who are younger. One of the more common approaches is to show the folly of younger people listening to those who are themselves young and don’t have the requisite experience that can be trusted given that they don’t have the years and wisdom to rely on. They may trust their friends, but how do they verify?

It is possible that one could make the mistake of thinking that the axiom that comes from this encounter with Rehoboam is that young people should only trust those who are older and more experienced with life. While there is merit to this disposition, it still requires that if we are going to trust we should follow up by verifying.

In I Kings 13 we read about a prophet that was sent to warn Jeroboam of the calamity that was to come because of Jeroboam’s disobedience to God and for practicing idolatry. After being offered food and drink from Jeroboam the prophet said in verse 9, “For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall eat no bread, nor drink water, nor return by the way which you came.’” The prophet was very clear on this command, and he set out just as God had told him.

In verse 11 it tells that there was an old prophet who heard about what the man of God had done regarding the prophecy against the altar in Bethel. “Now an old prophet was living in Bethel; and his sons came told him all the deeds which the man of God had done that day in Bethel; the words which he had spoken to the king, these also they related to their father.” The old prophet sent word to the man of God that he should come back and accept the food and drink he was offering. The man of God repeated the words of the command God had given him.

In verse 18 the old prophet responds by saying, “‘I also am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, “Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.”’ But he lied to him.”

Here we have someone who is older giving counsel only to find out that it wasn’t the truth. Just as it was in the example of Rehoboam who listened to the wrong voices so also it was with the man of God. It wasn’t necessarily age related, but source related.

The man of God probably thought that since he was hearing from a fellow prophet, and he was old that he checked all the necessary boxes to trust what he was hearing—but he didn’t verify. The cost to him was very high – his life (vs. 24).

A similar observation of the importance of “trust but verify” can be seen when the Israelites were conquering the land of Canaan. In Joshua 9 the Gibeonites were doomed for destruction, and they knew it. They shrewdly concocted a story in the interest of avoiding said destruction. Their story was accepted by the Israelite leaders. Verse 14 reads, “So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord.” They trusted but did not verify.

Isn’t it interesting that God did not intervene by saying, “Begging your pardon, but you may want to ask Me about this.” God is waiting to see if we will come to Him for counsel proving our ultimate trust in Him.

How many applications could we come up with in life whether of spiritual nature or otherwise where the importance of “trust but verify” shows itself invaluable? It has almost become cliche for preachers or Bible teachers to say, “Don’t take what I’m saying without question. Put my words to the test.” A statement like this sometimes comes off as a feigned disclaimer and those listening dismiss the admonition as something the preacher is “supposed” to say from time to time. Unfortunately, the warning often goes unheeded.

This is not to say there is insidious intent in every other phrase and that we need to live a life in abject suspicion, but the habit to “trust but verify” serves the purposes of making sure what you are hearing matches up with God’s word and, consequently, it naturally improves your personal knowledge.

Just as it was during the period when Ronald Reagan was President that the importance of “trust but verify” was much more than just sage advice. Our efforts to seek God’s counsel has much more at stake than a nuclear arms race. Our eternal souls are on the line. Trust and verify with the only One who has more than proven Himself worthy of it.