The Peanut Genius

Psalm 119:97-112

97Oh, how I love your law!

I think about it all day long.

98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

for your commands are my constant guide.

99Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,

for I am always thinking of your decrees.

100I am even wiser than my elders,

for I have kept your commandments.

101I have refused to walk on any path of evil,

that I may remain obedient to your word.

102I haven’t turned away from your laws,

for you have taught me well.

103How sweet are your words to my taste;

they are sweeter than honey.

104Your commandments give me understanding;

no wonder I hate every false way of life.

105Your word is a lamp for my feet

and a light for my path.

106I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise again:

I will obey your wonderful laws.

107I have suffered much, O LORD;

restore my life again, just as you promised.

108LORD, accept my grateful thanks

and teach me your laws.

109My life constantly hangs in the balance,

but I will not stop obeying your law.

110The wicked have set their traps for me along your path,

but I will not turn from your commandments.

111Your decrees are my treasure;

they are truly my heart’s delight.

112I am determined to keep your principles,

even forever, to the very end.

George Washington Carver, the brilliant biochemist, revolutionized Southern agriculture by discovering hundreds of valuable uses for the sweet potato and the peanut.

In 1921 this black scientist was invited to testify in Washington, D.C., before the House Ways and Means Committee about the potential of the peanut.

The committee was captivated by his presentation. He talked for an hour and forty-five minutes, long past the normal adjournment time. After he finished, the chairman asked, “Dr. Carver, how did you learn all these things?”

Carver answered, “From an old book.”

“What book?”

“The Bible.”

“Did the Bible tell you about peanuts?”

“No sir,” replied the scientist, “but it told me about the God who made the peanut. And then I asked him to show me what to do with the peanut, and he did.”

Through God’s Word the psalmist gained “more insight than [his] teachers” (verse 99), and God’s commandments gave him understanding (verse 104). This is what Dr. Carver discovered as well.

If you need wisdom, said James, just ask God (James 1:5). His “word is a lamp for [your] feet” (Psalm 119:105). “Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

How glorious is your Word, O God!

‘Tis for our light and guidance given;

It sheds a luster all abroad,

And points the path to bliss and heaven.

FRANK BOTTOME

Bible Networking

It’s time to check the “lamps” throughout the house. Find out what kinds of lamps you have: Proverbs 6:23; 20:27; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 8:16; and Revelation 22:5.

Notable Quotable

“Unless God’s Word illumines our way, our whole life is shrouded in darkness and mist, so that we cannot help but miserably stray.”

JOHN CALVIN