Good morning,
How to thrive in ‘25 series turns to the third chapter of the book of Proverbs. We will learn how to live successfully, see the benefits of wisdom, the results of wisdom is safety, and how to deal with others.
Today we will look at successful living.
How to Thrive in ‘25
Trust in the Lord
PROVERBS 3
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (5-6)
This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The book of Proverbs is a teaching on wisdom.
Proverbs 3:1-12 describe how to live the Christian life. God lists seven things that will make us successful in our walk with the Lord.
As God speaks to us may we be sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit.
1) SUCCESSFUL LIVING (1-12)
The Law (1-2)
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.
Mercy and Truth (3-4)
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.
Trust in the Lord (5-6)
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.
Fear the Lord (7-8)
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.
Honor the Lord with your Substance (9-10)
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Chastening of the Lord (11-12)
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.
Did you notice that the odd numbered verses were God’s commands, while the even number verses were the promises that will result if we obey the command. All God is looking for is obedience in His children. When we do He pours out His blessings!
Proverbs 3:13-26 tells us the benefits of wisdom, the Lord by wisdom…, to keep wisdom and discretion, and the result of wisdom is God’s safety.
Please meditate on the benefits, work of God, keeping sound wisdom, and the fact that we are safe when we have God’s wisdom.
2) WISDOM (13-22)
Benefits of Wisdom (13-18)
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 honour.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.
The Lord by Wisdom… (19-20)
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.
Keep sound Wisdom and Discretion (21-22)
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.
Proverbs 3:13-26 tells us the benefits of wisdom, the Lord by wisdom…, to keep wisdom and discretion, and the result of wisdom is God’s safety.
Please meditate on the benefits, work of God, keeping sound wisdom, and the fact that we are safe when we have God’s wisdom.
3) Wisdom results in God’s Safety (23-26)
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.
Thank God today that He gave us the Bible that has all the wisdom that we need to live successfully in this world.
Proverbs 3:27-35 deals with interpersonal relationships. The believer in Jesus Christ has the Bible to lead them when dealing with other people.
It deals with how believers should treat others.
4) How to deal with others (27-35)
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 neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, 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.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.
CONCLUSION
- Trust in the Lord
- Be wise
- Rest in the Lord
- Treat others with wisdom
Proverbs 3 has given us tools to be successful in our Christian life. How well are we doing?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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