There are so many promises in this chapter. Financial blessing, long life, favor, protection. Which verse speaks to you the most today? I read verse 4 in a completely different way this morning. God's Word is so good! I want my heart to trust Him more as we journey through the lessons of Proverbs together!
Proverbs 3 (New King James Version)
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.
Verse 4 mirrors Matthew 6:33. It's ironic when we think about the things we do to "earn" favor or approval, especially with people. The Biblical truth is that God is able to bless us with favor and esteem when our hearts keep His commands.
Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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6 comments:
I like verses 27-28: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow' - when you now have it with you.
I like this because it shows how we can be a blessing unto others. When God pours out his blessing and wisdom on to us, it is our responsibility to share it with others. When we see an opportunity to minister, we should take it right away, regardless of circumstances.
Verses 25 and 26 in The Message: "No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound."
I love this promise! I do not have to obsess over negative news or negative predictions about my future. I have a Shelter that will keep me safe regardless of the circumstances!
Verses 5 & 6 are probably some of the most quoted verses in the Bible. If we would just heed what it says, we could save ourselves a lot of heartache.
What you said is true, we do so much to earn favor and approval with people. We also do the same with God. Even though His Word says the birds neither sow nor reap, we think if we don't He won't take care of us, which is false. We are worth much more than the sparrows. Giving to Him brings blessing, but that is not why He takes care of us. We also feel like we have to pray and read and do so much to win His approval. This is also false. Like verse 5 says, all we have to do is acknowledge Him. How about that, just acknowledge Jesus as being Lord, don't do anything else. Do we realize what is available to us? I am not thankful enough, that is certain.
Vs. 5-6 So many times we say "God I don't understand". There was a point in my life that I was asking this on a regular basis and the Lord took me to these scripture and spoke to my heart that I didn't have to understand that all I needed to do was acknowledge Him and trust Him in everything that I do and then he would 'rightly divide' the path before me. This takes so much pressure off if we will just heed this and stop trying to understand the "why's" of life. God has us covered and when we obtain the favor of God we have everything we need.
Verses 5 and 6 really speak to me right not. The past year has been a time when I have really had to lean on God. I have had to learn to trust him and his judgement like never before. However, it has not been easy. However, if we lean on the understanding of God in all areas of our life then we will be much better off, regardless of what may come our way. I cannot be the teacher, friend, daughter, or church member that I should be if I lean on my own understanding and not on God's. It is impossible for me to carry out the activities of my day and to react to problems correctly if I do not dilegently seek the word of God and God's unfailing wisdom.
Verse 24 ~
We pray this verse over our children at night, so they will have "sweet sleep".
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