By Mrs. Lawrence Coffee
“1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:1-5
Verse five is one of my favorites. I guess it’s a human trait to always want to figure things out, but I’ve seen people dissect God’s Word in an attempt to prove it wrong or incomplete. Is it wrong to rely on self instead of God? We tend to forget about God when we do things ourselves, and if we are His, He will take us down a peg or two to remind us who’s boss! When you’re not His, He doesn’t chastise you, someone else does!
“6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Prov. 3:6-8
It’s amazing how some go to God for healing, but won’t read His Word, and how could we know that turning away from evil will be healing to our flesh and refreshment to our bones unless we learn by reading it?
“9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Prov. 3:9-12
We were blessed to attend a baptism of five people today! Now those young people will learn how God chastises those He loves!
“13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels, and 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 ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.” Prov. 3:13-22
God’s wisdom and discretion are life for our souls!
“23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Prov. 3:23-24
If we haven’t cheated someone or stolen from someone or cheated on our spouse, we shouldn’t have to look over our shoulder or worry about someone beating down our door. Our sleep should be sweet and without fear.
“25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.” Prov. 3:25-28
I’m seeing how God is raising up fearless men and women who are strong in Christ Jesus, and they are a great encouragement to me!
“29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
32 for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence.
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.” Proverbs 3:29-35
More from Focus on Faith.