PROVERBS THREE…. (v.1-10)
Verses 1-10
Solomon is again telling his son to take notice of what he is saying, so he can enjoy a long and peaceful life.
The first thing is to be 100% truthful and honest before God and before man……there is nothing more peaceful than a clear conscience! To experience the mercy of God, one must be merciful to others and not judgmental. Paul goes into great detail of how a believer must act towards others, and we are left in no doubt as to what the Lord expects. We might think this is hard to do, but Solomon gives us the key…..”trust in the Lord,” he says, “Don’t follow your first reaction to circumstances, ask what God would have you to do! If you do this, you will KNOW the right thing to do”
Paul goes on to say that we will then have God’s peace ruling in our heart with our minds and consciences at rest. We will be thankful for what we HAVE got, and be able to count our blessings. God’s peace helps our state of health…..our stress levels are lower, our stomach stops churning, and we sleep better; “health to our navel” as Solomon says! What better advice could we have than this! (Colossians 3:12-17)
God wants His people honest and true, Kind-hearted and helpful all their days through; Trust in the Lord and His leading each day, And He’ll constantly keep you along Life’s way!
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PROVERBS THREE…. (v.11-18)
Verses 11-18
Do you think it sounds strange to be immediately told after these wonderful promises of peace and prosperity, that some unpleasant experiences may come upon you?
What is the purpose of trials and tests? Do you notice what the Lord Jesus said to His disciples immediately after His promises of asking and receiving? They would be granted what they asked for, but would not be exempt from experiences trials and tribulations! (John 16:23-33)
What did Paul say about the problem he asked to have taken away from him? God allowed it to stay so he could experience God’s grace and strength in his time of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Hebrews tells us that the results of chastening (or correction) teach us to put into practice God’s righteousness and to learn His peace (Hebrews 12:5-11).
Solomon tells us here that the lessons we learn from God’s chastening gives even more wisdom, and that these experiences are worth far more than silver or gold. We can rejoice in them after they are over and profit from them by knowing God better.
Troubles and trials are sent to us all, But our Lord is beside us and won’t let us fall; He’ll carry us through, and give us more grace, As we look in His Word, and seek His pure face.
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