Proverbs 3
Further Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father [b] the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint / and he punishes
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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This chapter is rich with wisdom and sage advice---so many verses stand out. First and foremost, we must trust the Lord, submit to His authority, and not try to handle things by our own power.
ReplyDeleteIf we think about it, it makes no sense to insist on doing things our own way when we can have the Lord of all creation on our team. If He is with us, who can stand against us? I think the hang-up for many people is letting God LEAD the team...letting Him take charge of our lives completely. We're as rebellious as teenagers, and just as foolish.
If we would acknowledge the Lord in all things (big or small), He will bless us and make our paths straight. Why do we so often reject the blessings He wants to give us? Why do we resist His authority?
Lord Jesus, I invite you to take complete control of my life, my relationships, my health, my business---EVERYTHING. Please guide me to do Your will, not mine. In Your precious name, Amen.
Often when we read the Bible, we focus on the punishments for sin. The "stick" of punishment is important to prompt us to repent and seek salvation. However, the "carrot" of God's rewards for obedience bring us hope, joy, and fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteThese attributes, coupled with our love for others, serve as attention-getters. They peak the interest of the people around us. This is one way God works through us to open the door to the hearts of unbelievers (or, as I like to say, "pre-believers"). Once their hearts are open, we can share the truth of the Gospel with them.
So, what are these rewards? The most important, of course, is eternal salvation. The assurance that we will spend eternity in the presence of God, worshipping him, praising him, and being loved by him. This gift of God is free to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.
This proverb tells us that there are other rewards for following God's path. Tangible rewards, given here on this earth. Longer life, good health, financial blessings, grace, honor, and more.
Does this mean that a poor, sick person cannot be righteous? By no means. However, I believe God is pointing us to cause-and-effect issues. For example, honoring the Lord with our wealth will result in increased financial blessings. It says "wealth" and not "income", so I believe this covers more than simply tithing. For example, we can honor the Lord from our wealth of time by serving others in need (the poor, the widows and orphans).
We can honor the Lord from our wealth of assets by not investing in properties or securities that are contrary to His will. A liquor store may be a good financial investment, but does it exist in order to serve the Lord?
In fact, that should be the test for any business we own or job we take. Does it serve the Lord and His purposes? Say you own a cleaning business. How does that serve the Lord? First, if you run your business according to Biblical principles (honesty, fairness to others, etc.), then you are serving God. But, also, by helping others to maintain their homes or buildings, you are contributing to their good stewardship of the blessings God has given them. That serves His purposes, too.
Following God's ways doesn't mean we are working for our salvation. No, that gift is free to all who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we naturally want to obey Him and heed His advice. This proverb points the way.