. As the lively Christian is thankful for the least mercy, so the afflictions which others despise are improved by him as calls to serious thought. The related verb chanandepicts a heartfelt response by someone who has something to give to one who has a need. But where has been with us, as was with him, the renewed dedication to our God? 12:11; Prov. How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments." But this would not have been the best condition for human beings, or for any portion of them. 1:7, 8, marg. Need we advert to it as the sin of youth? The "tree of life" in Eden (Ge2:9; 3:24) is used four times in Proverbs (Pr3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4) as a symbol of spiritual blessing. and R.V. 1 Pe. Not all His classes are corrective 12:9; Prov. David speaks of the burden of sin "There is no health in my bones because of my sin." It is wisdom that draws up the moisture from the earth in waters, and exhales it in vapours, forming them into clouds, and again distilling them in dew, or pouring them down in rain, that food may spring out of the earth for man and beast. This indicates that Pr 3:8 is the outcome of Pr 3:7. The Lord is a sure ground of confidence in the worst of times. NET NOTE on understanding - Heb “your understanding.” The term בִּינָה (binah, “understanding”) is used elsewhere in this book of insight given by God from the instructions in Proverbs (Prov 2:3; 7:4; 8:14; 9:6, 10; 23:23). John MacArthur - The “heart” commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reason (Pr 3:3; 6:21; 7:3), but also includes the emotions (Pr 15:15, 30), the will (Pr 11:20; 14:14), and thus, the whole inner being (Pr 3:5). Only let us carefully prove our motives, that we beware of bye-ends and selfish principles; that we honor the Lord, not ourselves. 3. The great and glorious sun shines down from heaven upon the daisy; and the feeble daisy sweetly opens its breast, and looks up from earth upon the sun. 3:6; Prov. Instead of being weary of it, hang upon his chastening hand, and pour thy very soul into his bosom. 4:13, 14. 1:8; Prov. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Jerusalem became a heap. Soon phrases like "a modest proposal" and "Will you marry me?" God’s wisdom has done this. Dennis Fisher (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. When the rich refuse to do the duties of the day with their means, they are in danger of falling into the miser’s madness. There is this difference, however, between it and the common relative duties of life, that whereas for these we are under law to man, for that we are accountable to God only. 12:4; Prov. Be sure you really have a problem Nothing in the present state of the creation is sufficient to furnish out a proper emblem of the happiness that wisdom affords, and therefore the wise man goes back to the state of the world under innocent Adam, comparing the delights of religion to the fruits of the tree of life. This is a most important exhortation. The middle way is the path of safety. Investigations have been made of late years into the effect of intemperate habits on the length of life, not with a view to moral lessons at all, but simply in search of a basis for pecuniary transactions. It appears that the same all-wise Disposer has arranged that there shall be great and manifold diversities of elevation in the surface of the material earth, and in the condition of its intelligent inhabitants. These exhaust the options available to man. That is what we do when we lean on our own understanding rather than humbling ourselves and leaning on God's perfect understanding! David, though in deep waters, yielded not to desponding thoughts, believing that the Lord would yet command his loving-kindness; though about to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he saw no ground for the fear of evil. 21:2; Prov. Ps. Turn away from doing evil (Job 13:27)  "You put my feet in the stocks And watch all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet, KJV Proverbs 3:29  Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Je. Ps 6:3; 35:10; Pr 3:8; 14:30: 15:30; 16:24; Isa 66:14 and BDB 782 s.v. On his return from Palestine, McCheyne found 39 prayer meetings, five of them conducted by children for children. 3:5). Proverbs 3:2 "For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." In him the glory that excelleth is; and when our eyes are opened we shall behold it there, as the glory of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Prov. HIggins writes that "Faith moves beyond dependency for the pathway and now embraces a man's possessions. text), i.e. (Ro 11:33-34, Is.55:8-9). 28. A little given in time of need, is more, than a larger sum, when the time is gone by. Do not be dissolved, as it were—taken down and taken to pieces by the stroke. They cannot discern that, while it denies sinful, it abounds in spiritual, pleasure. 2:10; Prov. Bridges - This is the polar-star of a child of God—faith in his Father’s providence, promises, and grace. But folly is far simpler to choose—it seems hardwired into us. Their hearts are his dwelling-place.16 Their inheritance is his kingdom. The Hebrew word for honor is also the word for glorify! v1 My sons, listen to your father’s instruction. You'll discover the treasures of God's wisdom. In an individual there is a great sea of sin. But when weeks went by and nothing came of my attempts at networking and filling out applications, I began to pout. If the willingness of the heart were conclusively frozen up within, the hand, which is merely the heart’s servant, can do nothing. “All the tribes of the earth will mourn” at the sight of their despised Saviour—then their Judge. 23:33; Prov. Job 5:17. There they will be so rich, that the streets of their city of habitation are paved with pure gold,—so honourable, that they shall sit with Christ himself on his throne. 6:23; Prov. The way which one chooses determines one's destiny. Witness Joseph in Egypt (Gen. 39:2–4, 21–23; 41:37–43; 45:16)—David in the family of Saul (1 Sam. So take time to search the Word. It is the ability that decodes the symbols of communication for us. In Israel, parents (Pr. (Deut. Proverbs 3 Proverbs 3. 2; Proverbs 4:10. Conclusion: The pain of suffering sometimes keeps us from seeing what God is doing in our lives. 37:1, 7–9; 73:3. Comp. KJV Proverbs 3:19  The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. KJV Proverbs 3:14  For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. The first thing that we need to do is lean. In a similar way, the scribes handled the torah deceitfully and falsely "“How can you say, ‘We are wise, And the law of the LORD is with us’? 3:5-6 nkjv). (Pr 11:24.) I rowed for an hour around the shore, trying to catch fish in different areas, but the fish weren’t biting! 1:15; Hag. Prov. Life to one's soul (man's part = not to let them depart from our sight, keep- or guard-- them) 15:19; Prov. 1. (Proverbs 1:19)  So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors. It is not wrong to use your reason 3:6; Prov. Septuagint - kai pronoou (2SPMM: pronoeo: think of beforehand, perceive ahead of time, foresee;take thought for 1Th5.8; give attention to doing  someth., be concerned to show Ro12.17; 2Co8.21) kala enopion kuriou kai anthropon. The physical and the moral departments are the constituent parts of the completed whole. But, alas, where is that place? At every hour of their day and night they are exercised in spirit about pleasing God, and gaining his help in their need. Yet no step well prayed over will bring ultimate regret. Sometimes a naturally morose temper gives a gloomy tinge to religion. To keep us from the harm of evil It has specific purposes Ex 4:18; Num. Pleasant ways, peaceful paths 12:15). Whatever corrections the children of God suffer, they are still happy, and it is our duty to believe them so. George Lawson - Proverbs 3:18. Do not be impressed with yourself Charles Bridges - 27. Chastening (correction) is a sign of God?s love 5:15. Just as in 3:1 , 3 where the teaching is to be written on the heart, so here one is to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” ( 3:5 ). 4:7; Prov. 22:17; Prov. Other authors include unnamed Jewish wise men (22:17–24:34), Agur (ch. Submit Yourself and the Situation to His Will 22:20.) They are weary of his correction. 1:6. Guzik on fear the Lord - This is the natural result of trusting God. My daughter was coming home from college for the weekend to play the piano at her friend’s wedding. Leather scrolls were also popular in Palestine, and writing was done in columns (Jer. If we begin early, and keep going, the work will become easy at length. (2) It proclaimed their acknowledgement of God as the source of all good things. 5–8), submission of material wealth to God’s rule (vv. 1. We are commanded, not only to do good works, but to be ready to every good work; not only to shew mercy, but to shew it with cheerfulness. Jonathan in his lifetime was dear to David; and therefore Jonathan’s son, an orphan and a cripple, sat daily at the royal table. Ho. Christian industrialist R.G. POSB comments on acknowledge that the "Hebrew word (yada) “is not fully represented by ‘acknowledge Him.’” This is the word that means to know intimately and personally. Every one of us has seen monuments of this awful law, almost as deeply blighted as the warning pillar on the plain of Sodom, only they stalk about, and so publish their lesson more widely. We have it by us: but it does not just now suit our convenience. NB: "Lord"—Pr 3:26, 32, 33 O Of course, there are far more wonderful blessings that result from the faithful service of God than material prosperity. Amid all the Christmas activities, one man is often forgotten. 1:4–6)There is no presumption or enthusiasm in looking for the literal fulfilment of the promise. O grant me, Lord, Your grace to know Surely—but for the blindness of the heart—the wicked would see the naked sword hanging by a hair over his head, or the awful “handwriting upon the wall,” solemnly proclaiming—“There is no peace—saith my God—unto the wicked.” Vainly will the proud worm resist. Speak every man truth with his neighbor.” (Col. 3:12, 9, Eph. is a long and happy life—the highest earthly good. No, I don’t mean the person whose birthday we’re celebrating. In a similar manner, as we know intimacy with the Lord, we will know what brings His heart pleasure." Two Apostles have combined with the wise man, to set out this rule of the Divine government. And help us know Your still, small voice By my love, how much I owe. In Job 28:28, the act of turning away from evil was said to be understanding and was based on a prior proper discernment of what was evil. a. 20:5; Prov. (4) It acknowledged one of the greatest spiritual truths of all: that God had redeemed them from Egypt. the owners thereof. And refreshment (drink) - The Hebrew word means liquid served to a person to drink. Perowne - favour and good understanding] Your character will conciliate for you by its two great elements of mercy and truth, the two corresponding tributes of good-will and respect. v1 My sons, listen to your father’s instruction. Confess it now, or it will have a much higher cost later. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Lean on" is used here in the sense of relying upon or trusting someone or something for help or protection. 4:9; 6:6–9; 8:1; 30:16–20. Then, Lord, shall I fully know - “But his secret is with the righteous.” They enjoy a fellowship with God unknown to the world. 37:3, 5, 7; 62:8; 115:9–11; 125:1; 146:3–5. They become a God unto themselves, whenever dangers are out of sight. (3.) (Isaiah 26:7)  The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level. NET NOTE on make straight - The verb יָשָׁר (yashar) means “to make smooth; to make straight” (BDB 444 s.v.). God's ways are much higher than man's ways, and the wicked are urged to forsake their sinful ways (Isa. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And () all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 5:5. wise. E.    Keep faith in time of affliction As you listen to me, you will understand more. 13:15; Prov. Let these graces be, as with God, in combination. Paul gave a similar exhortation in Romans - "Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. B. In Jdg 9:26, 18:7, 10, 27 all mean "secure" referring to people living in security. Keep on relying on the Spirit (keep in step with the Spirit) to enable these traits. Vv. Night after night St Peter's would be packed to the extent that many had to stand in the aisles and sit on the pulpit steps while the crowd outside was unable to gain entry. It will disqualify the mind for relishing the consolations of God, and answering the designs of the Almighty. Silver is much esteemed by men, and gold is almost adored by them. In the way where I walk They have hidden a trap for me. On his return McCheyne was confronted by a dramatically changed situation; the spiritual manifestation for which he had worked and prayed had happened while he was abroad. Now, we yield reverence and submission to earthly parents; how much more do we owe it to that heavenly Father, who exercises love infinitely wiser and greater than theirs! 119:93, 153, 176. I. You can get physically sick, but you can also get spiritually sick. Leaning on the everlasting arms; The beginning chapters are a father’s encouragement to his son. 78:34–37). Next day he scans the newspapers to learn whether similar exports are flowing to the same market. Lastly—to the glory, beauty, and fruitfulness of wisdom, the Paradise of God alone can furnish the full counterpart. (Isaiah 40:14)  With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? The result of this favor was that he was delivered by God from His judgment of the world through the Flood. A person can trust in his house (8:15). —Fitzhugh. He loves to be consulted. It's not as though we are breaking a moral law." 3. 2 To know wisdom and instruction,. Wisdom and folly are personified and invite the young man to pursue them. 14:11; 16:7f). So let us pray that we would be filled with knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and UNDERSTANDING (Col 1:9+, cp Ep 5:17). 12:18–21. Every spring colleges and universities hold commencement ceremonies to celebrate the success of students who have completed their studies and earned their degrees. How? Do not go to those you know will agree with you We must be walking on the highway of holiness. Proverbs 3:6, ESV: "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." “Fear not,” said Elisha; but it was not until the young man’s eyes were opened to see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha that he could be confident, or even composed. 23:4, 11, 12; 30:8. Wherever God puts us, our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him. (See the evil consequence of this inconsiderate neglect. Our goal in obedience is not mere outward conformity to God’s will, but a heart that loves and obeys Him. Ps. Look first to the legend itself—“mercy and truth.” These two, meeting and kissing in the Mediator, constitute the revealed character of God himself; and He desires to see, as it were, a miniature of his own likeness impressed upon his children. He has redeemed and delivered us from the bondage of sin. both in his sight, and in the sight of man. Matthew Poole on wise in your own eyes: “Be not puffed up with vain conceit of thine own wisdom, as if that were sufficient for the conduct of all thine affairs without direction or assistance from God, or without the advice of others.”. Sins trouble him still, and keep him low, but he is delivered from the law of sin. My Lord is ever with me NB: "Lord"—Pr 3:11, 12, 19 Proverbs 3:1-2 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my … “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gate into the city.” (Rev. 14:14; Prov. (Mt. Ps. He. He has grief for his own loss, and indignation against others; but he was in a fair way, and might have succeeded, if such an article had not suddenly fallen in price, or such a man had not become bankrupt. (Psalm 139:3)  You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools; (exalteth the fools; Marg. It is a childlike confidence without wavering (Comp. It is not a slave’s struggle to escape from divine vengeance: it is a dear child’s confidence in a Father’s love. But great as are the advantages, splendid as are the honours which wisdom confers, the world is generally prejudised against it, and prepossessed with the idea of its being burdensome and unpleasant. Charles Bridges - 19. Act upon it immediately so it can stop the pressure “My God, we know thee” (Hos. The Scripture teaches us, when we are charmed with the lustre of earthly riches, to consider how incomparably these are surpassed by the excellency of wisdom. We are told, positively, to trust the Lord and, negatively, not to trust our own understanding. 1. An evil device against a neighbor, from whatever cause, is a cursed sin. The duty of parents is clear, and their encouragements great. NET Note - If one fears the LORD and turns away from evil, then he is depending on the LORD and not wise in his own eyes. Our response to trouble should be like that of Job at the beginning and at the end of his problems (Job 2:10; 42:1-6). Let there be a self-renouncing spirit, implicit faith, (1 Kings 17:12–16) constraining love (Rom. Orach/orah - 59x in 57v - caravans(1), childbearing*(1), course(1), highways(1), path(13), paths(19), traveler(1), way(15), ways(6). 20:24; Prov. (1 Cor. But for as along as I can remember the two names most closely identified with Dundee, both heroes of the faith, have been Mary Slessor and Robert Murray McCheyne. "Abraham did this when he went to Egypt (Gen. 12:10–20) and so did Joshua when he attacked the little town of Ai (Josh. How about you? The Lord raise us from our selfishness, and mould us to his own image of mercy and love! 6). ‘O Lord, pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace, and of all virtues; without which, whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee.’6. The soul swelling with its proud fancies has no room for his humbling grace. 17:7, 8. B. Jesus understands every struggle. KJV Proverbs 3:3  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: NLT  Proverbs 3:3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! He will go ahead of us and smooth the road. ver. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. The only method of reconciliation is the looking unto Jesus, and looking on until confiding faith spring up; but the religious act of a soul saved is a trust in God. He only corrects those whom He loves They are the very principles of the most elevated pleasure. By the Spirit sanctified, 1 Co. 3:21–23. But the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. But peace added forms the sunshine of the toilsome way (Psalm 119:165, Isa. Think of an Air Traffic Controller and how dysfunctional, even destructive it is when the controllers fail to function as they should. He is wise that winneth souls; his own first, and then others. 26:25; Prov. He cannot make those grapes juicy-only God can. 14:30; Prov. 27:1,29.) Proud member 26:3; 57:19. The Lord rejected the priests of Israel for they had disregarded it -- "those who handle the law did not know Me" (Jer 2:8) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. There may be seasons in which the good man cannot enjoy pleasant slumbers. They are not only abominable, but “an abomination” in his sight.’ Really to be envied—or rather ardently to be desired—is the lot of the righteous—enriched with the secret of the Lord—‘his covenant and fatherly affection, which is hid and secret from the world.’ Sinners he hates, but saints he loves.