Good morning,
We are told to “…get wisdom…” “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
This week we will study wisdom from Proverbs 3. We will see the many benefits that God provides to us, if we get wisdom.
The first twelve verses are expressed in two verses each. The first verse is the command, the second the benefit.
Honor the Lord and be wise
1. Commands and Benefits (v1-12)
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
The father counsels his son to, forget not the law, keep my commandments, be merciful, truthful, trust in the Lord with all thine heart, in all thy ways acknowledge the Lord, be not wise in your own eyes, and despise not God’s chastening.
If the son chooses to do this, he can expect, length of days, a long life, peace, favor, good understanding, God shall direct his way, health, abundance, and love from the Lord.
If we are looking for God’s blessings, follow these Scriptural principles.
2. Benefits of finding wisdom (v13-18)
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.16 Length of days is in her right hand; and 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 them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
First benefit of wisdom is being happy. Why? Because those who have wisdom know God’s word, His mercy, His provision, and His love. The second benefit is understanding. Then length of days, riches, honor, and peace.
Wisdom is better than silver and gold. More precious than rubies.
Wisdom is available to all who want it.
3. Results of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge (v19-22)
19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
The Lord did three things. By wisdom, He founded (created) the earth. By understanding, He made the heavens. By knowledge, He allowed the clouds to produce rain.
We need to keep sound wisdom and discretion. It will give us life and grace to our lives.
4. Results of following wisdom (v23-26)
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Everyone of these results are needed and welcomed in each of our lives.
Who wouldn’t want to walk in safety, not stumbling, sleep without worry, days without fear of the wicked, putting our trust in the Lord. It can be if we follow wisdom.
5. What we must do (v27-31)
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.28 Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Give to the needy, bring no evil upon others, and do no envy. We are to be helpful, loving, and content with what we have.
6. God’s response (v32-35)
32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com