Today: Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3 contains one of the best-known and oft-memorized verses in the Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6. Living out verses 5 & 6, however, depends on how we do with verses 1-4. And if we do live out Proverbs 3:5-6, we will receive the blessings in life God promises in the rest of this chapter! If we want God’s guidance and want to know his will, we start by storing his commands (his Word) in our hearts (vv. 1-2) and we remain loving and faithful (vv. 3-4). These show us how to trust God with all our hearts. For followers, these attributes actually become part of our being, written on our hearts.
Leaning on our own understanding simply means doing things our way or being wise in our own eyes (see v. 7). We can’t trust in God and lean on our own understanding at the same time. It’s an either-or proposition. God wants us to trust him with all our hearts. He is totally trustworthy.
God may even discipline or rebuke us when we begin to wander off his path (vv. 11-12). Sometimes this “discipline” is the natural consequence of our choices and leaning on our own understanding, but other times it is God’s direct pruning of us (see John 15:1-2) to help us live more fruitful lives for him. This proverb tells us to not despise his discipline, to accept it as part of his growth plan for us.
If you are facing difficulties, don’t ask Why? Ask, What are you showing me through this Lord? How can I grow because of this? Don’t forget that like any good parent, our Heavenly Father disciplines those he loves!
