SSL 2 - Proverbs 3:1-12 - DIRECTION OFFERED
LAST WEEK: King Solomon taught us that the main purposes of the book of Proverbs are (1) to recognize wise instruction when we receive it and (2) to apply that knowledge wisely in terms of how we live. We learned that the ideas of knowledge and wisdom are closely tied together: "knowledge" tends to focus on a correct understanding of the world and ourselves in it-that's the purpose of education-while "wisdom" is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, and applying knowledge righty is what Solomon refers to as skill in the art of godly living. Solomon also told us that we should always be teachable and be willing to grow in wisdom no matter how far along in life we are. Most importantly, Solomon told us that the process of truly learning and incorporating wisdom to our lives starts with a reverent fear of the Lord and the rejection of foolish ways.
THIS WEEK: Solomon will list for us the many blessings of godly wisdom in a nutshell. When we care-fully and diligently live our lives in obedience to God's inerrant Word, it can result in a harvest of blessings from God (vv. 1-2), such as: (1) blessings in relationships (vv. 3-4); (2) blessings in decision-making (vv. 5-6); (3) blessings in health (vv. 7-8); (3) blessings in prosperity (vv. 9-10); and (5) blessings in chastisement (vv. 11-12). At the same time, however, we need to recognize that these are proverbs, not unconditional promises. Objectively, we know from experience that good Christian people can die young or develop all types of health problems, or they can experience hardships with people in their families or in the workplace, or they may endure serious financial struggles. Yet, people who strive to honor God and obey His word are generally healthier, have more peace in their lives, and are more fruitful-i.e., happy/content-than people who live selfishly and dishonestly.
Read Prov. 3:1-4 - WALK RIGHTLY WITH GOD BY VALUING HIS WORD
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.
v. 1: "My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments" - Solomon's advice to his son in this section begins with a declarative warning to never forget his teachings. This requires attentive listening-the desire to fully understand and appreciate the importance of what the speaker is saying to you. The second phrase, "But let your heart keep my commandments," is significant. It asks for obedience from the heart, which is much more than outward conformity; it implies love both for the commandments and the person giving them. Wisdom that is taken to heart not only shapes thoughts but controls emotions and desires as well. This is imbedded wisdom.
v. 2: "For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you" - This statement declares and affirms that there's a real blessing in a life and heart that obeys God. In principle, life and heart obedience brings long life and peace, which forms a blessed combination. On the other hand, long life without peace can be a curse rather than a blessing. However, we must keep in mind that this pronouncement is a principle, not a promise, and this is largely how any proverb should be regarded. We well know that some people who are obedient both in heart and conduct die relatively young, and we also know there are godly people who endure trials that prevent them from living in peace. Therefore, we regard such proverbs as true principles of life but not as absolute promises.
v. 3: "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart" - As used here, the word for "kindness" in Hebrew (chasad) also translates to mercy, and the word for "truth" (emeth) can mean faithfulness. So, taken together, kindness, mercy, truth, and faithfulness are all attributes of God that translate to the virtues of a person with godly character. Solomon is telling his son that these virtues of godly character are of such importance that he should bind them around his neck like a necklace and write them on the tablet of his heart (v. 1b). The brings to mind our in last year in Deut. 6:8-9, where we learned that ancient Jews placed written copies of the Shema in small boxes (phylacteries) they wore on their forearms or foreheads or placed them on the door posts of their houses. And today, we Christians wear crosses, carry Bibles, or put bumper stickers with a Christian message on our cars as outward signs of our faith. Thus, Solomon is telling his son to show these virtues outwardly with the necklace and hold them inwardly in his heart.
v. 4: "So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man" - This is the blessing of good relationships with God and with people. First, we need to remember that "favor" from someone isn't something that can be forced out of them but is something they give to us voluntarily. The virtues of v. 3-kindness, mercy, truth, and faithfulness-are all attributes that appeal to people as well as God. And "good repute" means that others will recognize these virtues as the marks of competence and intelligence in a wise individual. The most stunning example of this was seen in our study last year of Joseph in Gen. 39-41, where because of his faithfulness, he found favor with Potiphar, his jailer, and finally Pharaoh, who appointed him governor of all Egypt. But notice that this proverb puts God first and man second. Our efforts to please God with godly character will also yield favor with people, a good-good way to live.
SOLOMON SAYS 1: Obedience from the heart is much more that outward conformity. Obedience from the heart demonstrates love both for the commandments and the person giving them. Wisdom taken to heart not only influences our thoughts but also controls our emotions and desires.
SOLOMON SAYS 2: The virtues of vv. 3-4-kindness, mercy, truth, and faithfulness-will gain us "favor" with God and man. These virtues are all qualities that appeal to people as well as God. And we will enjoy "good repute" when other people recognize these godly virtues as marks of competence and intelligence that identify us as wise individuals.
Read Prov. 3:5-6 - WALKING RIGHTLY WITH GOD BY TRUSTING IN HIM
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
v. 5a: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart" - This phrase contains a potent truth. In simple language it means we are not supposed to trust God just to some extent or a little bit but trust Him with our whole hearts. The Heb. word used for "trust" (batach), literally means to fall down and pictures a soldier yielding himself to a conquering general. And we learned in Deut. 6:5 last year that the "heart" (Heb. lebab) doesn't refer to our physical hearts but to our innermost being that makes us who we are. So we are commanded to trust God with every aspect of our life, holding nothing back. This can be hard, not because God isn't trustworthy but because we are not trusting God with our whole hearts if we have any doubts that He will provide the wisdom we need. James said it this way: "But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6).
v. 5b: "And do not lean on your own understanding" - As humans, we must acknowledge our inherent weaknesses and recognize our dependency on God, who is perfect in all things. Trust must be transferred from reliance on our human abilities and intellect to the power and wisdom of God. As we move through this life, there will be many things we don't understand because we don't see the whole picture as God see it. We must trust Him and believe He understands it all. Amen?
v. 6: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight" - When we "acknowledge" God in "all our ways," it means we invite and include God in every aspect of our lives, even the most simple and routine things we do. I refer to the memory device I use as "staying tuned to God's channel" as I move through the events of my day. The net result of (1) acknowledging God in all our ways; (2) trusting God with our whole hearts, and (3) not leaning on our understanding, is a straight path. This doesn't mean that life will be easy or that we will never suffer along the way, but it does mean that God will be with us every step of the way, sustaining us and giving us the grace and the means to do what as He asks of us. As we put our trust in God and walk in His wisdom, He will make us spiritually effective in doing His work as He opens doors and closes doors to guide our path.
SOLOMON SAYS 3: You are not trusting God with "all your heart" if you have any doubts that He will provide the wisdom you need. Trust must be transferred from reliance on our human abilities and intellect to the power and wisdom of God. As we move through this life, there will be many things we don't understand because we don't see the whole picture as God see it. We must trust Him and believe He understands it all. Amen?
Read Prov. 3:7-8 - WALK RIGHTLY WITH GOD IN A HUMBLE AND REVERENT LIFE
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.
v. 7a: "Do not be wise in your own eyes"- This section is about decision-making. Being wise in your own eyes speaks of pride and arrogance-things God hates. It's an attitude that seeks wisdom and strength from the flesh, outside of God. Very simply, trusting in self is the opposite of trusting in God. When as believers we fall short and hold onto an attitude of pride and self-reliance in our hearts, you can be sure that God will humble us and bring us down. Then, from a place of brokenness, He can heal us, use us, and empower us with His strength in spite of our weaknesses. Remember what Paul told us: that God's power is not perfected in our strength but in our weakness, because only then can we see that whatever we accomplish is something that only God (not us) can do. (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
v. 7b: "Fear the LORD and turn away from evil" - We know that "Fear" in the context of God doesn't mean fright or terror (though, yes, we should be afraid of the omniscient power of God when we sin), but really expresses an honest attitude of respect, honor, and real awe towards God. Once we develop this attitude, it enables us to see God as He truly is and to recognize our desperate need to depend on Him completely. Picture yourself as squarely facing God and turning your back on evil. If you're squarely facing Him, you've completely turned your back to evil. Do you see that?
v. 8: "It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones" - In this verse connects decision-making to our health-spiritual, mental, and physical. When we turn away from evil and do what's right in God's eyes, He provides healing to both our souls and our bodies, which can and often has a positive affect on the state of our spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Sin can cause decay to both body and soul-yes? When we hold onto to sin, God must allow it to break us to the point that we repent, confess it, and return to Him. And afterward, when God spiritually restores us to fellowship, His wisdom will be a refreshment to both the soul and the body. But remember, this proverb isn't a promise of perfect health or longer life but one filled with peace and contentment.
SOLOMON SAYS 4: If we try to be "wise in our own eyes" and display an attitude of pride and self-reliance, we can be certain that God will humble us and bring us down. A prideful and arrogant attitude is something that God hates. When we hold onto to this sin, God must allow it to break us to the point where we repent, confess it, and return to Him. And afterward, when God spiritually restores us to fellowship, His wisdom is like a refreshment to both our souls and our bodies.
Read Prov. 3:9-10 - WALK RIGHTLY WITH GOD IN RELATION TO YOUR POSSESSIONS
9 Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.
v. 9: "Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce" - In this section Solomon talks about blessings in prosperity. First we must agree that all of our financial resources and material possessions came as provision from God and truly belongs to Him, yes? He likewise gave us the strength to work, the ability to learn, and the power to earn money. True? He even owns the ground we live on, and the grass, trees, plants, etc. that grow on it because He made it. Because all that we have and produce by our own labors is ultimately His, we must be willingly and happily ready to "honor" what God asks of us with the resources, time, and energy with which He richly blesses us, and the "first," which is a tithe (see Mal. 3:10-12; Luke 18:12) forms good starting place.
v. 10: "So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine" - God does not need our wealth but chooses to work with us for our own good. When we support God's work with our resources, time, and service, he will give back to us even more in the form of great blessings. At the same time, we need to fully understand that this isn't a guarantee of wealth or even that the rewards will come in this life, but we can be absolutely certain that God will ultimately reward us for our faithful giving and serving. God doesn't miss anything and doesn't forget anything.
SOLOMON SAYS 5: We must be happily willing and ready to honor what God asks of us with the resources, time, and energy with which He has richly blessed us. God doesn't need our wealth but chooses to work with us for our own good. When we support God's work with our tithes, time, and service, he will give back to us even more in the form of great blessings. At the same time, we need to fully understand that this isn't a guarantee of wealth or even that the rewards will come in this life, but we can be absolutely certain that God will ultimately reward us for our faithful giving and serving.
Read Prov. 3:11-12 - RECEIVING CORRECTION WITH A RIGHT HEART
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof,
12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
vv. 11-12: "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights." - Any Christian who rejects God's discipline and refuses to repent of a self-righteous attitude is in rebellion, and rebellion is the opposite of trust in God. In these last verses, Solomon moves to the blessings of chastisement, and yes, we should see it as a blessing. Moreover, I think God's discipline is as relevant to Christian adults of all ages as it is to children and adolescents. First, we need to understand and fully acknowledge that God disciplines us, not out of anger but because He loves us, do you agree? When we experience God's chastening, we should humbly accept it, knowing that it is an ongoing part of the sanctification process that produces higher levels of wisdom and spiritual growth in us, making us stronger, more effective Christians than we were previously. As a work in progress, God uses His discipline to root out the hidden sins and selfish desires still residing in our hearts so that we will keep growing in His likeness. When God corrects us, He's sort of like a divine doctor who keeps applying a series of treatments that can be uncomfortable at times but are designed to make the patient better, stronger, and healthier. Jesus made a similar analogy when He said: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it (hear that?) so that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2).
SOLOMON SAYS 6: When God disciplines us, it's a sign of His love. Because we are all imperfect humans who are works in progress, God uses His discipline to root out the hidden sins and selfish desires that remain in our lives so that we will continue the process of becoming more and more like Him. As we experience God's chastening, we should humbly accept it with the knowledge that it produces wisdom and spiritual growth that makes us stronger and more effective Christians.
PRAYER: LORD GOD, as we approach Your Holy throne this morning, we thank for bringing-in this New Year. I pray and yearn for the time when the threat and the restrictions imposed on all of us by the Coronavirus pandemic will be fully and finally ended. I pray, Lord that You will guide the efforts of the scientists and pharmaceutical companies who are working right now to make a vaccine freely available against this terrible disease. And when it is, Father, we will give you the credit and praise because every event in this world is under Your sovereign control and subject to Your perfect will. When we are completely free to assemble together and function again as a church should, I pray, God, that we will look around us and see Your Spirit moving the people of this church in a new and powerful way. I pray that we will see the people in this church striving to live-out the virtues of this great Proverb-kindness, mercy, truth, and faithfulness-that demonstrates a right relationship with You and others. Finally, Dear God, as this pandemic comes to an end, I pray that you would use it to turn people away from the spiritual darkness of this world and toward the True Light; and as members of this church, I ask that You will empower and equip us to go out and be the Light that invites them to come and see. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, I pray, AMEN.
