Proverbs 3
Communion Conferred by Wisdom.This passage teaches us how to live in close relationship with God. Living by God’s wisdom is not only a great mystery, but also brings many blessings to our lives. When we follow God’s ways, we find true happiness and success.v. 1–2: We must always remember and obey God’s commands. My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments (Proverbs 3:1 a). God’s teachings should guide our actions and fill our hearts. If we do this, God promises us a long and peaceful life. For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you (Proverbs 3:2 b). Obeying God brings both earthly and eternal rewards (Psalm 21:4 c). – v. 3–4: We should also hold on to God’s promises of mercy and truth. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 3:3 d). When we live by God’s mercy and truth, we will find favor with both God and people. So you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:4 e). This brings honor and success, just as Jesus grew in favor with God and people (Luke 2:52 f). – v. 5–6: We must trust God completely and not rely only on our own understanding. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 g). In every part of our lives, we should look to God for guidance. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:6 h). When we trust and pray to God, He will lead us safely and wisely, even when the way is difficult. God’s guidance always leads to what is best for us, both now and in the future. – Consecration to God.In these verses, Solomon gives three instructions for living a life devoted to God. Each instruction is supported by a clear reason. These directions show us how to honor God in every part of life, and they promise real blessings and comfort for those who follow them.v. 7–8: We must be humble and submit ourselves to God. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7 i). It is dangerous to think we are wise enough on our own. True wisdom comes from respecting God and turning away from sin (Job 28:28 j). When we live like this, it brings health and strength to our lives. It will be health to your body and nourishment to your bones (Proverbs 3:8 k). Godly living leads to a clear mind, peace, and even physical well-being. – v. 9–10: We should honor God with everything we own. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your increase (Proverbs 3:9 l). This means using our money and resources for God’s purposes and helping others. We should give God the first and best, just as people did with their crops and animals (Genesis 4:4; Exodus 23:19 m; Malachi 3:10 n). If we do this, God promises to provide for us: Your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine (Proverbs 3:10; Haggai 2:19 o). – v. 11–12: We need to accept God’s correction with a humble heart. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof (Proverbs 3:11 p). Everyone faces hard times, but these are allowed by God as loving discipline, not as punishment. God corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects his child for their good. For the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:5 q; Revelation 3:19 r). This is a comfort, because it shows that God’s correction comes from His love and desire for us to grow and be truly happy. – The Excellency of Wisdom; Happiness of Those Who Find Wisdom.Solomon encourages us to seek wisdom, promising that those who find it are truly happy. He explains that wisdom means knowing and loving God, and living according to His truth and commands. Wisdom brings blessings that are greater than anything the world can offer.v. 13: Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding . This means we should work hard to gain wisdom, treasure it, and use it to help ourselves and others. v. 14–15: Wisdom is better than riches. For the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her (Proverbs 3:14–15 s). Even if someone owned all the wealth in the world, it could not buy true wisdom, nor bring the happiness that wisdom brings (Job 28:15; Matthew 13:45–46 t; Proverbs 23:23 u). – v. 16–17: Wisdom brings long life, riches, honor, and peace. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Proverbs 3:16–17 v). Following God’s wisdom leads to true joy and safety, both now and forever. – v. 18: Wisdom is like a tree of life. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed . Just as the tree of life gave life in Eden, wisdom gives life, hope, and a taste of heaven (Revelation 22:2; Revelation 2:7 w). v. 19–20: Wisdom is powerful because it comes from God Himself. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the depths were broken up and the clouds drop down the dew (Proverbs 3:19–20 x). God used wisdom to create and order the world, so those who follow His wisdom share in something eternal and wonderful. – The Excellency of Wisdom.Solomon urges us to keep wisdom close, not just to find it but to hold on to it. He promises that if we keep wisdom in our hearts and minds, we will experience many blessings and comforts in life.v. 21: We should always keep God’s wisdom in view and in our hearts. My son, let them not depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion . This means we should constantly think about God’s teachings and never let them fade from our memory. Wisdom is like a treasure that we must guard and value every day. v. 22: Wisdom brings life and beauty to us. So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck . Wisdom gives us energy and encouragement when we feel tired or sad. It also brings honor and makes our words and actions attractive to others. v. 23: Wisdom keeps us safe as we go through life. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble . When we follow God’s wisdom, He protects us from falling into sin or trouble. The way of wisdom is the way of safety. v. 24: Wisdom gives us peace and rest at night. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet . If we keep a good conscience and trust in God, we can sleep without fear or worry (Psalm 4:8 y). v. 25: Wisdom helps us not to be afraid of sudden trouble. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes . Even when bad things happen quickly or unexpectedly, we can stay calm because we trust God to protect us. v. 26: The Lord Himself will be our confidence and keep us safe. For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught . God promises to watch over us and keep us from harm, so we do not need to be afraid, even in the most difficult times. Justice and Kindness Recommended; Caution against Envy.True wisdom is not only about serving God, but also about treating other people well. Solomon now gives practical advice for how to be honest, kind, and fair to everyone around us. He also warns us not to envy those who do wrong, even if they seem to succeed.v. 27–28: We must give people what we owe them, whether it is payment, help, or kindness. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it (Proverbs 3:27 z). If you can help someone, do it right away. Do not put it off until tomorrow, because you may not have another chance (Proverbs 3:28 aa). This means paying debts, giving fair wages, caring for family, helping the poor, and doing good as soon as you can. – v. 29: Never plan to harm your neighbor. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake . It is especially wrong to hurt someone who trusts you or lives near you. We should be trustworthy and kind to those around us. v. 30: Do not start fights or arguments without a good reason. Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm . Avoid unnecessary quarrels and lawsuits. It is better to live peacefully with others whenever possible. v. 31: Do not envy violent or wicked people, or try to copy their ways. Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways . Even if they seem powerful or successful, their path does not lead to real happiness (Psalm 37:1, 7-9 ab). v. 32: God hates those who are dishonest or stubborn, but He loves the righteous. For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright . The righteous have a special friendship with God. v. 33: The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but His blessing is on the home of the just. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just (Proverbs 3:33; Malachi 2:2 ac; Psalm 106:15 ad). Even a poor family is blessed if they live for God, while a wicked family’s wealth is empty. v. 34: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; Psalm 2:4 ae; 2 Corinthians 3:18 af). Those who mock God and others will be brought low, but those who are humble will receive honor from God. v. 35: In the end, the wise will inherit glory, but fools will only gain shame. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools (Proverbs 3:35; Psalm 84:11 ag). Those who follow God may not seem important now, but they will receive lasting honor. Those who choose evil may seem successful for a time, but their end is disgrace.
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