Proverbs 3
Proverbs 3 offers wisdom on trusting in God, the benefits of seeking His wisdom, and living a life guided by righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of honoring God with obedience and humility, trusting in His direction rather than relying on one's own understanding.
Proverbs 3:1-10 (NKJV)
1 My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem 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 shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
In these verses, Solomon urges his son to remember God’s commandments and promises that obedience will bring long life and peace. He emphasizes the importance of holding on to mercy and truth, which will bring favor with both God and people. Trusting fully in God’s wisdom, not one’s own understanding, ensures that God will guide and direct one's path. The passage also advises humility and reverence for God, which brings both physical and spiritual blessings. Honoring God with one's resources leads to material abundance as a demonstration of God's provision.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Solomon reminds his son that God’s correction is an expression of His love, not punishment. Just as a father disciplines a child out of love, God corrects His children for their growth and well-being. This teaches the value of accepting God's discipline as a sign of His care and desire for us to grow in righteousness.
Proverbs 3:13-18 (NKJV)
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand 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 take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.
Here, wisdom is personified as a woman whose value surpasses wealth. The pursuit of wisdom brings blessings greater than material riches, including long life, honor, and peace. Wisdom is described as a tree of life, symbolizing vitality and happiness for those who embrace and hold onto her teachings.
Proverbs 3:19-20 (NKJV)
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.
These verses emphasize that wisdom is foundational to creation itself. God used wisdom in forming the universe, showing its vital role not just in human affairs but in the very order of creation. This highlights that wisdom is deeply rooted in God's nature and creation.
Proverbs 3:21-26 (NKJV)
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
Solomon advises his son to always keep wisdom and discretion close, as they will bring security and peace of mind. Living with wisdom allows for safety and removes fear of danger, both physical and spiritual. Trusting in God gives confidence, ensuring protection against sudden fear and harm from wickedness.
Proverbs 3:27-30 (NKJV)
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
These verses encourage generosity and integrity in dealing with others. When one has the opportunity to help, they should do so without delay. Additionally, plotting harm against a neighbor or stirring up unnecessary conflict is discouraged, reflecting the importance of maintaining peace and good relationships.
Proverbs 3:31-35 (NKJV)
31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.
These concluding verses contrast the righteous and the wicked. Solomon warns against envying those who prosper through oppression, as their ways are detestable to God. The righteous, however, receive God’s favor and blessing. While the proud face God’s scorn, the humble and wise are given grace and honor.