In this chapter we have one of the most well known passages of Scripture. It is one of the first sections I remember memorizing in Sunday School as a child. I've read these words countless times, but I don't know that they have really ever hit me until today.
Proverbs 3
"My son, don not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, for whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights" (verses 1-12).
Once again, a father is instructing his son, and sharing with him the importance of the lessons. And then we get to one of the most important things any parent could say to their child. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn from evil."
Think about what that says, trust in the LORD completely. Don't place your trust in wealth, or talents, or even me as your father, but trust fully in the LORD. Do not lean on your own understanding. Don't fall back on your gifts or your training. In every thing you do look to God. No matter how big or small seek God's counsel, and He will never fail to direct you. This lesson in wisdom is a father teaching his son total reliance upon God. He is teaching him to seek Him in all things, and never to rely on himself, no matter how small the task may seem.
He warns him, don't be wise in your own eyes, don't be proud or arrogant, but always fear the LORD. Realize who God is and what He has done, and when you do this, you will turn from evil. You will not be led astray when you are constantly focused on who God is.
God blesses those who trust Him, and He corrects those He loves. Sometimes there is discipline that comes, but it is only for our benefit. No matter what we go through we must constantly be aware that everything God does is for our good and His glory.
Further instructions are given about the benefit and value of wisdom. Accounts of God's works are given, and at the end of it all a reminder of the confidence that is found in God. "My son, let them not vanish from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught" (verses 21-26).
One of the things that has stood out to me in the past is this statement in verse 4, "So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man." Verses 5-26 talk about man's relationship with God, but then the lesson shifts and talks about the relationship between men.
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,' when you have it with you. Do not devise harm against your neighbor, while he lives securely beside you. Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways. For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; but He is intimate with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Though He scoffs at the scoffers, yet He gives grace to the afflicted. The wise will inherit honor, but fools display dishonor" (verses 27-35).
A life lived with kindness in the fear of God is a life that will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. This is every father's desire for his child. And this is the message of Proverbs 3.
"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread."
To God alone be the Glory!
Peace be with you
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