Why should we bother trying to learn and to live according to God’s wisdom? Of course we know it’s the right thing to obey our Lord, and to try to please our Heavenly Father. But from today’s passage, it turns out that there are lots of practical reasons as well.
For example, we know that God’s law says we should love other people just as much and in the same way that we love ourselves. Well, Solomon points out that living in kindness and truth is also a great way to build a good reputation. After all, who doesn’t want to be around people who are trustworthy and treat you well? It turns out that the road to popularity is paved with integrity and generosity.
Do you want to be healthy and live a long time? Solomon says that turning away from evil will bring us healing and refreshment, and add years to our lives. And again, that just makes sense. How many people have died too soon from diseases picked up from casual sexual encounters, or from selfish and reckless use of illegal drugs? It turns out that long lives are often holy lives.
Do you want to make a lot of money? It turns out that one of the keys to prosperity is to put God first – to give to God’s work, even when we don’t think we can afford it. And again, it’s true that those who try to tithe tend to be careful with the rest of their funds. Those who make careful budgets so that they can give to others tend to be more careful with what they keep. But it’s also true that we can expect God to give us more, once we’ve demonstrated that He can trust us to be generous with the little that we already have.
Do you need direction when you have choices to make, or when life becomes confusing? Solomon reminds us that trusting the Lord to direct our paths is the only way to achieve any sort of certainty. As David says in Psalm 23, following our Good Shepherd is the only way to be sure that we’ll receive our daily bread.
No, following the Lord isn’t always pleasant or easy – verses 11 and 12 remind us that sometimes God brings us through difficult circumstances to smooth off our rough edges or to help us trust Him more. But if we’ll trust in His Word instead of relying on what feels good or what makes sense to us, we’ll find lots of blessings along our way.
Proverbs 3:1-12 (NASB)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, the son in whom he delights.
