Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3:1-35

The Blessings of Answering the Call of Wisdom (This passage parallels Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth) - Once we receive the call from wisdom in chapter 1, we are shown how to find it in chapter 2. Therefore, in chapter 3, we will learn what happens to us when we answer the call of wisdom. If we find a parallel to this passage in the life of Solomon, we will find it in the great wisdom and wealth that he acquired as the king of Israel as a result of following the principles laid down in chapters 1 and 2. Solomon started his journey as a king being young and tender (chapter1). He then asked God for a hearing heart (chapter 2). As a result, he found not only wisdom, but the blessings of peace and abundance and wealth that comes with wisdom (chapter 3). As a summary of chapter three, we see that the path of wisdom will lead us into spiritual, mental, physical and material blessings (Proverbs 3:1-18). If God uses wisdom to determine the destiny of His creation (Proverbs 3:19-20), so do our choices determine our own destiny (Proverbs 3:21-26) as we learn to walk in wisdom with our neighbour in order to bring us to our eternal destiny (Proverbs 3:27-35). Therefore, this passage of Scripture gives us the manifold aspects of wisdom. It is like the light that reflects through a beautiful diamond. A diamond has many different sides that reflect different colors of the rainbow. A diamond is able to show us the many different colors of light. Yet, each color reflected from this diamond is a part of the same light beam. In comparison, wisdom has many different colors, or dimensions.

When placed together, this passage shows us divine wisdom that is perfect and complete, and able to make our lives whole in every aspect. Complete wisdom is learning to apply all of these verses to our lives, so that the blessings of God will be evident in every area of life. Only then will we be able to fulfill the eternal destiny that God has created us for as a part of His overall plan for His eternal creation. Outline - Note the following outline:

1. The blessings of wisdom expounded — Proverbs 3:1-12a) Summary to its blessings — Proverbs 3:1-2b) Wisdom and its blessings in relationships (spiritual) — Proverbs 3:3-4c) Wisdom and its blessings in decision-making (mental) — Proverbs 3:5-6d) Wisdom and its blessings in health (physical) — Proverbs 3:7-8e) Wisdom and its blessings in prosperity (financial) — Proverbs 3:9-10f) Wisdom and its blessings in chastisement — Proverbs 3:11-12
2. The priority of wisdom — Proverbs 3:13-153. A summary of the blessings of wisdom — Proverbs 3:16-18
3. The eternal power of wisdom — Proverbs 3:19-205. Thru wisdom, man decides his destiny — Proverbs 3:21-266. Wisdom towards our neighbors — Proverbs 3:27-347. Wisdom brings us from God’s wrath into His glory — Proverbs 3:35 The Commands and Promises - We can see a series of commands and promises in Proverbs 3:1-35. Commandment — Promise
4. Proverbs 3:1 - Learn and keep commandments — Proverbs 3:2 - Life and Peace
5. Proverbs 3:3 - Walk in love — Proverbs 3:4 - Favor
6. Proverbs 3:5-6 a - Trust God’s ways — Proverbs 3:6 b - Guidance
7. Proverbs 3:7 - Fear God — Proverbs 3:8 - Health
8. Proverbs 3:9 - Giving — Proverbs 3:10 - Receiving
9. Proverbs 3:11 - Endure chastisement — Proverbs 3:12 - Why? - God’s love —Proverbs 3:13-20 deal with the value and blessings of wisdom
10. Proverbs 3:21 - Keep God’s Word — Proverbs 3:22-24 - Life and peace
11. Proverbs 3:25 - Do not fear — Proverbs 3:26 - Why? God is with us God’s Plan for Prosperity - In Proverbs 3:1-2 of this chapter, we are given a general summary of the blessings of wisdom. In Proverbs 3:3-12, we are given specific blessings of wisdom. Proverbs 3:15-18 give a second, more expanded summary of the blessings of wisdom. One parallel passage that we find in the New Testament to the teaching found in this chapter Isaiah 3 John 1:2. 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” The Lord wants us to walk in His blessings. The Lord once spoke to Norvel Hayes and told him that people are rewarded in two ways if they will serve the Lord; they will receive health and prosperity in this life.[58] We must seek the Lord instead of seeking the prosperity. In other words, Jesus said that we are to seek the kingdom of God first and all these blessings will pursue us. [58] Norvel Hayes, “Sermon,” Word of Faith Family Church, Dallas, Texas 1989-90; Norvel Hayes, Financial Dominion: How To Take Charge Of You Finances (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Harrison House, c1986), 9-17.Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is why Proverbs 3:1-2 says that the Commandments of the Lord will “add” these blessings to us. That is, they will come to us, and we will not have to pursue them. Our job is to pursue the Lord and His Word. This is what is meant in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 when it says that “all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2, “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.” The Eternal Power of Wisdom - Note the progression of events in chapter 3. A person learns God’s Word, yields his heart in trust, begins living by the Word, need correcting by God’s Word, receives the blessings of God’s Word, and after walking in God’s word for years, eventually sees the eternal faithfulness and power of God’s Word: Proverbs 3:1-4 - Learning God’s Word Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in God’s Word Proverbs 3:7-10 - Living God’s Word Proverbs 3:11-12 - Being Corrected by God’s Word Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of God’s Word Proverbs 3:19-20 - The Eternal Power of God’s Word

Proverbs 3:3-4

Wisdom and Its Blessings in Relationships: Wisdom Blesses the Man Spiritually – Proverbs 3:3-4 focuses upon the spirit of man and how God’s blessings affect him in this realm. When his heart is right with God his relationships with others becomes blessed. Wisdom will teach us how to walk in love and faithfulness in relationships with both God and man. Mercy and truth proceed from a pure heart. This conduct of walking with a pure heart will bring us into places of favor and honor in our relationships with other people. Proverbs 3:3-4 mentions receiving favor from both God and man for a reason. This is because God is watching how we conduct ourselves with our fellow man. If we walk in love towards others, God will favor us with His blessings (Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:21, Matthew 6:14; Matthew 7:1-2). Proverbs 19:17, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 21:21, “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” Matthew 6:14, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Also, if we walk closely with the Lord in divine wisdom and with His anointing, people will take notice as they did with Joseph and Daniel, thus favoring them above other (Proverbs 4:9). Proverbs 4:9, “She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” It is impossible to separate our relation with God from our relationships with man. All human relationships are related in some way to our relationship with God. Thus, the favor and understanding that is a result of these relationships are related to God and man. Sowing in the Spirit Realm – Proverbs 3:33-34 serves to illustrate Proverbs 3:3 by teaching us to walk with a humble heart and not allow pride to bring us into scorn towards others. For in humility, we are able to show mercy to others and to walk in the truth of God’s Word. Illustrations of Favor - Joseph: Genesis 39:2-4, “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.” Genesis 39:21, “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” Why did God show Joseph mercy: because Joseph had shown mercy to others? Note: 2 Samuel 22:26, “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.” Samuel: 1 Samuel 2:26, “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.” Daniel: Daniel 1:9, “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” Jesus Christ: Luke 2:52, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” The early Church: Acts 2:46-47, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” It is for us in the New Covenant: Romans 14:18, “For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.” Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Proverbs 3:3 — “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee” - Word Study on “mercy” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “mercy” “hesed” (ηֵ ?ρֵ ?γ) (H2617) properly means, “desire, ardor,” and in a good sense, “zeal, love, kindness, benignity, benevolence, mercy, pity, grace, favor,” and in a bad sense, “zeal, ardor against anyone, envy, reproach.” Strong says it means, “kindness, piety, reproof, beauty.” BDB says it is God’s “lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.” Holladay says in regards to men relating to one another, this word means, “obligation to the community in relation to relatives, friends, guests, masters and servants…unity, solidarity, loyalty,” and in God’s relationship to His people, it means, “faithfulness, kindness, grace.” It may be translated or understood in a wide range of English words: kindness, goodness, good deeds, pity, favour, loving kindness, merciful kindness, covenant love, faithfulness, devotion to God’s Word, godly deeds. The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 248 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “mercy 149, kindness 40, lovingkindness 30, goodness 12, kindly 5, merciful 4, favor 3, good 1, goodliness 1, pity 1, reproach 1, wicked thing 1.” The nearest equivalent to “hesed” (ηֵ ?ρֵ ?γ) in the Greek New Testament would be έλεος (mercy) or ἀγάπη (love).Word Study on “truth” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word “truth” (ΰֶ ?ξֶ ?ϊ) (H571) means, “firmness, stability, perpetuity, faithfulness, fidelity, probity, uprightness, integrity of mind, truth.” Strong says it literally means, “stability,” and figuratively, “certainty, truth, trustworthiness.”Word Study on “forsake” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “forsake” (ςָ ?ζַ ?α) (H5800) means, “to loose bands, to let go, to leave.” Proverbs 3:3 — “bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart” - Comments - This phrase is a reference to the commandments that God gave the children of Israel under the Law (Deuteronomy 6:8; Deuteronomy 11:18). It is a full time job of diligent effort to walk according to the Scriptures so we must constantly keep Bible verses on our mind in order to walk in them. Deuteronomy 6:8, “And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Deuteronomy 11:18, “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.”Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:4 — Word Study on “favour” – Strong says the Hebrew word “favour” (ηֵ ?ο) (H2580) means, “graciousness, kindness, favour, beauty,” and it comes from (ηָ ?πַ ?ο) (H2603), which is a primitive root that means, “to bend, or to stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favour, to bestow.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 69 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “grace 38, favour 26, gracious 2, pleasant 1, precious 1, wellfavoured + 02896 1.” Proverbs 3:4 — Word Study on “understanding” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “understanding” (ωֶׂ ?λֶ ?μ) (H7922) means, “understanding, intelligence, prudence.” Strong says it means, “intelligence, success.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 16 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “understanding 7, Wisdom 3, wise 1, prudence 1, knowledge 1, sense 1, discretion 1, policy 1.” Strong says (ωֶׂ ?λֶ ?μ) (H7922) comes from the primitive root (ωָׂ ?λַ ?μ) (H7919), which means, “to be circumspect, and hence, intelligent.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 63 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “understand 12, wise 12, prosper 8, wisely 6, understanding 5, consider 4, instruct 3, prudent 2, skill 2, teach 2, misc 7.” Comments - This Hebrew noun is a key word woven throughout in the book of Proverbs being used six times: Proverbs 3:4, “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 12:8, “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.” Proverbs 13:15, “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” Proverbs 16:22, “Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.” Proverbs 19:11, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” Proverbs 23:9, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Wisdom and its blessings in Decision-making: Wisdom Blesses the Man Mentally - As wisdom will teach us how to prosper in our relationships in Proverbs 3:3-4, wisdom will teach us how to find God’s purpose and will for our lives as we learn to trust Him in every area of our lives. These two verses are telling us to renew our minds with the Word of God so that we will be able to make wise decisions. We are to find God’s will in everything that we do so that He can prosper us exceedingly. Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Sowing in the Mental Realm – Proverbs 3:31-32 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:5 by telling us not to follow the path of the oppressor, but to find the secret counsel of the Lord when making decisions. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 — “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart” - Word Study on “Trust” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word “trust” (αָּ ?θַ ?η) (H982) means, “to confide in, to set one’s hope and confidence upon any one, to be secure, to fear nothing for oneself.” Strong says that it literally means, “to hide for refuge,” thus, it means, “to trust, to be confident, to be sure.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 120 times in the Old Testament Scriptures. being translated in the KJV as, “trust 103, confidence 4, secure 4, confident 2, bold 1, careless 1, hope 1, hoped 1, ones 1, sure 1, women 1.” Comments - How can you trust in the Lord if you do not know Him? For example, if you met a stranger on the street and he promises you something, how can you have much confidence in that? You cannot. This is why God’s Word must be in you, working in your life causes you to confidently put your trust in Him. This is why Proverbs 3:1-4 precede this verse, because they talk about knowing God’s Word. Also note that Proverbs 22:17-19 follows the same pattern. Proverbs 22:17-19, “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.” How trustworthy is God’s Word? See: Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” 1 Samuel 15:29, “And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Hebrews 6:17-18, “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Illustration - We do not really trust someone whom we do not know. Illustration: Someone once walked in off the street into Jack Emerson’s mechanic shop and said that if Jack would give him so much money then he would bring him so many pounds shrimp later did Jack do it. No! Scripture Reference – Note: Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Proverbs 3:5 — “lean not unto thine own understanding” – Word Study on “lean” – Strong says the Hebrew word “lean” “shawan” (ωָׁ ?ςַ ?ο) (H8172) literally means, “to support one’s self.” Illustration - In 2 Chronicles 13:1-22, Abijah was out numbered 2-1, yet he trusted in the Lord (He leaned upon God in Proverbs 3:18). 2 Chronicles 13:18, “Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.” Other illustrations: 2 Kings 18:5, “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20, “And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.” 2 Chronicles 14:11, “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.” 2 Chronicles 16:7, “And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.” Word Study on “understanding” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “understanding” (αִּ ?ιπָ ?δ) (H998) means, “understanding, intelligence, insight.” Strong says it means, “understanding,” and it comes from the primitive root (αִּ ?ιο) (H995), which means, “to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand,” which is the same verb used in this verse that is translated, “to perceive.” Holladay says it means, “insight, perception.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 38 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “understanding 32, Wisdom 2, knowledge 1, meaning 1, perfectly 1, understand 1.” This Hebrew word is used 14 times in the book of Proverbs. Comments - The idea is to not trust in oneself (Jeremiah 23-24). Jeremiah 9:23-24, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” As Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, the world trusts in itself: in its wealth, in its strength and in its wisdom. For example, on September 11, 2003, terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The World Trade Center was a building that represented America’s wealth. The Pentagon was a building that represented American’s strength. In early 2003, the Colombia space shuttle blew apart over Texas. The space shuttle represented America’s wisdom and ingenuity. We are to trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5 — Comments - Note a similar verse in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 — “In all thy ways acknowledge Him” – Word Study on “ways” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word “ways” “derek” (γֶּ ?ψֶ ?κְ) (H1870) means, “a going, a journey, a way, a path.” Strong says it means, “a course of life, or a mode of action.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 627 times in the Old Testament. Comments - It refers to the opportunities that we face each day to make a decision that is right or wrong. Word Study on “acknowledge” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “know” (ιָ ?γַ ?ς) (H3045) means, “to see,” hence, “to perceive, to acquire knowledge, to know, to be acquainted.” Strong says it is a primitive root meaning, “to know, to ascertain by seeing.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 947 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “know 645, known 105, knowledge 19, perceive 18, shew 17, tell 8, wist 7, understand 7, certainly 7, acknowledge 6, acquaintance 6, consider 6, declare 6, teach 5, misc 85.” This Hebrew word is used 35 times in the book of Proverbs.Comments - This Hebrew word is used here in the imperative mood. It carries the meaning of knowing intimately, or by personal experience. So, this verse says, “Learn to know His ways by getting to know Him personally, so that He can direct your daily activities and decisions into a righteous lifestyle.” This means we are to walk in personal fellowship with the Lord if we are to make wise decisions. There is not short cut to wisdom. We cannot circumvent our fellowship with God. Illustration - Ezra acknowledged that God was at work in his life. Ezra 7:6, “This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.” Also, Ezra 7:9; Ezra 7:28; Ezra 8:18; Ezra 8:22; Ezra 8:31 and Nehemiah 2:8 say, “the hand of the Lord was upon him.” Scripture References - Note similar verses in the New Testament: Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Proverbs 3:6 — “and he shall direct thy paths” – Word Study on “direct” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word “direct” (ιָ ?ωַׁ ?ψ) (H3474) means, “to be straight, to be even, level.” Strong says it literally means, “to be straight or even, and figuratively, it means, “to be right, pleasant, or prosperous.” In this passage, it means to make straight, or right. We see this same Hebrew verb in Isaiah 40:3 being literally translated “make straight.” Isaiah 40:3, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” The noun (H3476) that is derived from this verb means “straightness, what is right” (Gesenius). This same Hebrew noun is used in Proverbs 2:13; Proverbs 4:11. Proverbs 2:13, “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;” Proverbs 4:11, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.”Comments - We see this idea in Psalms 23:3, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” The paths that we take represent the decisions we make. Every choice we make in life will put us on the path of wisdom, or the path of the wicked. Scripture References - Note other similar verses: Psalms 25:4, “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.” Proverbs 2:8, “He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:13, “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;” Proverbs 2:20, “That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.” Proverbs 4:11, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.”Proverbs 8:20, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:” Isaiah 2:3, “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Proverbs 3:6 — Comments - In other words, seek God in all your choices and decisions in life! Note similar verses: Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” 1 Samuel 23:4, “Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.” See also 1 Samuel 23:11-12; 1 Samuel 30:8. 1 Chronicles 28:9, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” It is the office of the Holy Spirit to lead and to guide our steps, and not the office of man. We are not to be guided by man’s voice, although we are to seek counsel from the wise. Frances J. Roberts writes, “My child, hear My voice, and give no heed to the voice of the stranger. My paths are straight, and they are narrow, but ye shall have no difficulty in finding them if ye watch Me. I am guiding thee. Ye need not look to man for direction. Ye may learn much by fellowship with the saints, but never allow any to take the part that is rightfully Mine – to direct thy steps. As it is written, ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord’ – not by the preacher, not by some Christian worker, but by the Lord.”[61] [61] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 15.

Proverbs 3:7-8

Wisdom and its blessings in Health: Wisdom Blesses the Man Physically - Wisdom will teach us how to have a long life if we will fear the Lord and keep His commandment. The reason that the phrase “depart from evil” is used in Proverbs 3:7 as a condition living a long life in Proverbs 3:8 is because the context of chapters 1-9 refers to the path of wisdom verses the path of the evil man. The voice of wisdom will help us avoid the paths of evil that have cut off the life of many victims. Proverbs 22:3 tells us that a wise man will see danger ahead and will turn from it and save his life, but the fool, in his blindness, will walk right into danger. Proverbs 22:3, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Sowing in the Physical Realm – Proverbs 3:29-30 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:7 by telling us not to get into strife with our neighbour. We are to “depart from evil”, or “depart from strife”. We know that people who are wise in their own eyes tend towards strife. Illustrations - Obviously, wisdom will teach us to avoid the sinful places where the wicked drink and revel in sin. Wisdom will also teach us to avoid certain places at certain times. For example, the Lord spoke to Kenneth Copeland about the tragedy of 9-11 when the Twin Towers in New York fell, killing thousands of innocent people.[62] The Lord said that He spoke to everyone in the building. Some people could not hear His voice. Others heard but did not follow the witness of their spirit. Still others heard and obeyed and left. It was only those who heard and obeyed that were saved on that terrible day. [62] Kenneth Copeland, Believer’s Voice of Victory (Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program.In Proverbs 22:3, a prudent man is one who has taken the time to learn how to hear and obey the voice of wisdom. Therefore, he hears the voice of the Holy Spirit warning him about the evil ahead. Now, the simple person is not necessary an evil person, but rather, he is someone who has been too lazy to learn the Word of God and how to discern the voice of wisdom. A similar passage to Proverbs 3:7-8 is found in Proverbs 4:21-22. This verse tells us that when we are led by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, that we will be blessed with health in our bodies. Proverbs 4:21-22, “Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” This same promise is also seen in 3 John 1:2, where we are told that God will reward us with health is we will obey His commandments. 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:7 — “Be not wise in thine own eyes” – Scripture References - Note similar verses: Proverbs 26:12, “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Romans 11:25, “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Proverbs 3:7 — “and depart from evil” – Comments - Running with the wicked man or the strange woman will shorten our lives. If serving the Lord brings a long life, then serving evil will shorten our lives. Illustration - I remember one classmate that died shortly after high school. He had been running with those who sold large amounts of illegal drugs. One day, these men decided that this young man knew too much, so he was killed. Proverbs 3:7 — Scripture References - Note a similar verse: Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:8 — “It shall be health to thy navel” – Word Study on “navel” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “shor” (ωֵׁ ?ψ) (H8270) means, “nerve, muscle, navel.” Strong says it means, “a string as twisted, the umbilical cord.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 2 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “naval 2.” Comments - Ronald Hawkins suggests that the navel is used figuratively to represent the “lifeline” of our sustenance from God.[63] Since the context of Pro 3:5-8 is trusting in the Lord, we can also use the synonym “dependence,” or “sustenance.” This means that we live daily in dependency upon His provision in the same way an unborn child lives by what its mother provides it through its umbilical cord. [63] Ronald E. Hawkins, Proverbs, in The KJV Bible Commentary, ed. Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow M. Kroll (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Pub., 1994), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 2.1c [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2000-2004), comments on Proverbs 3:1-12.Proverbs 3:8 — “and marrow to thy bones” - Word Study on “marrow” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word (ωִׁ ?χּׁ ?εּ ?ι) (H8250) means, “drink, the moistening, i.e. refreshing of the bones.” Strong says it means, “a beverage, moisture, i.e. refreshment.” The word is used 2 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “marrow 1, drink 1.” The verb form of this Hebrew noun is (ωָׁ ?χδ) (H8248), meaning, “to give to drink” (Gesenius). Thus, the phrase is better translated, “and moistening to thy bones.” Comments - Note other Scriptures that mention the moistening or dryness of the bones: Job 21:24, “His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.” Psalms 6:2, “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed (or dismayed, in agony).” Psalms 22:14-15, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.” Psalms 31:10, “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.” Psalms 32:3, “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.” Psalms 109:18, “As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.” Proverbs 12:4, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” Proverbs 14:30, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” Proverbs 15:30, “The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Isaiah 58:11, “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 66:14, “And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.” Ezekiel 37:11, “Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.” Habakkuk 3:16, “When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.”

Proverbs 3:9-10

Wisdom and its Blessings in Prosperity: Wisdom Blesses the Man Financially - Wisdom will teach us how to prosper in our material possessions as we learn to give to Him first. The principle here is clearly the law of sowing and reaping. As we give generously, we will receive in abundance. God wants our hearts to put him first (Proverbs 3:3-4) so that we will renew our minds to think like Him (Proverbs 3:5-6) and so that we can live a long life (Proverbs 3:7-8) and be able to gain financial wealth (Proverbs 3:9-10). Sowing in the Financial Realm – Proverbs 3:27-28 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:9 by telling us how to give to those with genuine needs. This is how we are to honor the Lord with our substance. Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Proverbs 3:9 — Comments - The first part of Pro 3:9 that tells us to honour the Lord with our substance places emphasis upon the things that we already have in possession, and the second part that tells us to honour the Lord with the firstfruits of all thine increase emphasizes what is coming into our possession as we continue to give. Proverbs 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3:11-12

Wisdom and its Blessings in Chastisement - Wisdom will teach us how to endure God’s chastening and discipline in our lives, so that we will be pleasing in His sight. These verses naturally follow Proverbs 3:3-10, where we see that God instructs us in every area of our lives. In this path of instruction for spiritual, mental, physical, and material prosperity, God will have to correct us at times as His children. If we stay on the path that leads to life, we too will have to endure correction. It is a part of the process that leads to success and prosperity. Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Illustrations - David learned how to endure the chastening of the Lord: Psalms 118:18, “The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.” The author of Hebrews quotes this passage to the Hebrew Christians with the same message in Hebrews 12:5-6. Hebrews 12:5-6, “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Note these insightful words from Frances J. Roberts regarding divine discipline and correction: “Have I not said that unless ye experience chastening, ye may well doubt thy sonship? Why then, shouldst thou shrink from My rod of correction? Ye are not the teacher, but the pupil; not the parent, but the child; not the vine, but the branch. Discipline and correction must come if ye would be brought into conformity to My divine will. Shun nothing My hand brings to bear upon thy life. Accept My blessings and My comfort, but do not despise My sterner dealings. All are working toward thy ultimate perfection. “Do ye hope to be made perfect apart from the corrective process? Do ye expect to bear large fruit without the pruning process? Nay, My children, either bend in submission to My hand, or ye shall break in rebellion. Godly sorrow yieldeth the good fruit of repentance, but if ye be brittle and unyielding, ye shall know a grief of spirit for which there is no remedy. Keep a flexible spirit, so that I may mold thee and shape thee freely – so that I can teach thee readily, nor be detained by thy resistance.”[64] [64] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 94.Again: “Resist Me not and harden not your hearts. Provoke Me not to use My chastening rod, for I love thee. I would not drive thee with a whip, nor bridle thee with rein and bit to prevent thee from plunging into error; but only let Me look into thine eyes, and I will guide thee in love and gentleness. I take no pleasure in the affliction of My children. In love I chasten to prevent the deeper suffering that would be involved if I allowed thee to go on in a path of evil. But My heart is glad when thou walkest close, with thy hand in Mine, and we may talk over the plans for each day’s journey and activities – work and pleasures – so that it becometh a happy way that we travel in mutual fellowship.”[65] [65] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 171.Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: Proverbs 3:11 — Comments - How do we despise the chastening of the Lord? Can a child avoid his punishment? If we examine a passage from the New Testament on chastisement, we can better understand this matter. In 1 Corinthians 11:30 it says, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” Note that this verse lists the effects of God’s chastisement in a progressive order. God first allows problems to come into our lives to get our attention. These problems weaken us. If we still persist, God will allow sickness to come into our lives. Finally, if we continue in sin, God will take us home early to be in heaven. Thus, we can despise the chastening of the Lord by not responding to Him when we are made weak or become sick in our bodies. If we despise Him, our chastisement intensifies. For example, when my second child was four years old, she took upon the habit of hitting her older sister and hurting her. At first, I scolder her for her deeds. But when she repeated her bad habit, I spanked her. However, this did not cure the situation.

I then took her aside, spanked her and then explained that I would spank harder the next time she hit her sister. Sure enough, she did it again. As a father, I had to keep my word in order to deal with this problem. I spanked her with my hand on her bottom a little harder. Finally, I had to take off my belt and spank this four-year old child. After this spanking which hurt, I spun her around on the bed and jumped into her face with all of the fierceness that I could muster and threatened her not to ever do this again.

She was so terrified at this type of punishment that she never hit her sister again. In order to remedy the situation, I had to intensify the severity of her punishment for her own good. I have never spanked her older sister like this, but as a loving father, I did what it took to deal with stubbornness and her despite to my earlier spankings. Our heavenly Father works the same in our lives. Proverbs 3:11 — Comments - Note other translations: BBE, “My son, do not make your heart hard against the Lord’s teaching; do not be made angry by his training:” Rotherham, “The, chastening of Yahweh, my son, do not reject, nor loathe his rebuke;” Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:13-18

Wisdom’s Priority: The Value of Wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-18 repeat more extensively the brief summary of blessings that is given in Proverbs 3:1-2. However, this passage emphasizes the priority of wisdom over earthly wisdom. Happiness Comes from Walking in Wisdom - Proverbs 3:13-18 begins with “Happy is…” and ends with “happy is every one that retaineth her.” These verses re-summarize the blessings of finding wisdom. A happy person is one who is blessed. This passage emphasizes the priority of seeking wisdom above earthly riches. If we take a short cut to get to the prosperity found in Proverbs 3:9-10, without having a pure heart, an understanding mind, and a healthy body, then these riches will soon flee away. We will be told this later on the journey in Proverbs 13:11. Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” We will be told in the book of Proverbs that it is better to have a pure heart even if we do not have great riches in Proverbs 15:16. For if we get our finances out of priority, then riches will turn into trouble and not a blessing. Proverbs 15:16, “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” When we look at the great men of God listed in Hebrews 11:1-40, we see none of them being praised for their earthly riches. The reward system of God simply based upon the measure of a man’s faith and what he accomplishes by faith. Earthly riches for these men of God were simply a manifestation of their faith in God. The Value and Priority of Wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-15 teaches us the value of wisdom. The most valuable substances on earth are gold, silver and precious gems. Yet, wisdom is far above their price. These verses say that if there is anything else that can be desired, it still cannot be compared to wisdom. Illustration - We tell young people to get a good education first, before pursuing a financial career. Some of these young people will drop out of high school, and some will not finish college in pursuit of a secular job and the money that it brings. However, they limit their career opportunities by doing this. Others will finish their education and find a rewarding career to enjoy the rest of their lives. When some once said that he could not afford a college education, another responded that you could not afford not to have an education. For a good education increases a person’s opportunity to have a rewarding lifestyle. If a good education should be put before the pursuit of money, how much more should wisdom be pursued above money, for it is with wisdom that we learn to properly manage money. Scripture References - Note a similar verse: Proverbs 16:16, “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17 — Word Study on “peace” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word “peace” “shalom” (ùָׁ ?ìåֹ ?í) (H7965) means, “whole, entire,” thus, of body, “healthy, sound,” as a substantive, “wholeness, safety, soundness, health,” and it means, “secure, tranquil.” Strong says it means, “safe,” and figuratively, “well, happy, friendly,” and abstractly, “welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace.” This Hebrew word means primarily, “soundness, or health,” but it also signifies, “prosperity, well-being in general, and all good in relation to both man and God.” (Enhanced Strong) Comments - It is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul. It includes everything God gives His people for well-being in all areas of life. Peace in our health, in our relationships with God and man, in our finances, in our adversities, in our hearts and minds, and even peace in our physical death.

1. Peace in one’s health: Isaiah 57:19, “I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.” Jeremiah 14:19, “Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!” Jeremiah 33:6, “Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”
2. Peace is present in the midst of justice and righteousness: Isaiah 9:7, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 32:17, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”
3. Peace during one’s death: Genesis 15:15, “And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.”
4. Peace in the midst of fear: Genesis 43:23, “And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.”
5. Peace is as a part of God’s divine hand of protection: Leviticus 26:6, “And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.” Psalms 4:8, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
6. Peace as a part of God’s covenant: Numbers 25:12, “Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:”
7. Peace is a part of answered prayer: 1 Samuel 1:17, “Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.”
8. Peace gives us strength and joy: Psalms 29:11, “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” Daniel 10:19, “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” Proverbs 12:20, “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.”
9. Peace in the midst of adversity: Psalms 55:18, “He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.”
10. Peace when others have famine and war: Jeremiah 14:13, “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.”
11. Peace in relationships with others: Obadiah 1:7, “All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.” Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Zechariah 8:10, “For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.”
12. Peace in our relationship with God: Ezekiel 37:26, “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.”
13. Peace in one’s finances: Psalms 122:7, “Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.” In Psalms 35:27 and Psalms 73:3, “shalom” is translated “prosperity”. Psalms 35:27, “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Psalms 73:3, “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
14. Peace in our hearts and minds: Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” God’s will and plan for our lives is not always easy to follow. You have to endure and overcome many things. But in God plan, there is always peace. There are always happy and pleasant memories of those difficult times that God’s peace brought us through. Proverbs 3:17 — Comments - Wisdom has many way, or paths. There are paths that lead to good relationships, paths that give us daily directions, paths that bring us health, paths that bring us prosperity, and paths that lead us thru chastisement and correction. Many of us may do well on one path and do poorly on another path. For example, I have known people who were able to prosper in the Lord, yet they had poor health. This is because each path that we walk in brings a different aspect of wisdom’s blessings into our lives. Making a choice as to which path to follow is not always an obvious and easy decision. For example, the path that brings the most peace in our lives may not appear as the each route to follow. It appearance may look distracting or difficult. It may, in fact, be the most difficult path to follow. When we choose to forsake our friends and follow the narrower commandments of God, we may receive persecution. But this difficult path will bring the greatest peace within our hearts. A seemingly easy path to follow may lead to problems and despair. So, we must not judge a path by its appearance, whether it looks easy or difficult. We must learn to hear the voice of wisdom in choosing our paths in life. Chapter four of Proverbs will show us three paths of wisdom.
15. The path of wisdom as it transforms our hearts (Proverbs 4:1-9)
16. The path of wisdom as it renews our minds (Proverbs 4:10-19)
17. The path of wisdom as it directs our bodies (Proverbs 4:20-27) Proverbs 3:16-17 — Comments - A Summary of the Blessings of Wisdom - Again we see the four-fold application of divine blessings summed up in these two verses: spiritually, mentally and physically, and finally financially. Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. Proverbs 3:18 — Comments - Note other uses of the phrase “a tree of life”: Genesis 2:9, “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 3:22, “And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:” Genesis 3:24, “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Proverbs 3:18, “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 15:4, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Revelation 2:7, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 22:2, “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:14, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Proverbs 3:19-20

Wisdom’s Divine Power and Divine Plan - After Proverbs 3:1-18 deals with wisdom’s role in God’s plan for mankind, the next passage (Proverbs 3:19-20) reveals that wisdom has a role to play in the rest of God’s creation. God created the heavens and the earth (Proverbs 3:19) and He destroyed it by the Flood (Proverbs 3:20 a) and He established a new order for the earth, which was then described as producing rain (Proverbs 3:20 b). It is by wisdom that God’s creation, both heavens and earth, will conform to God’s eternal purpose and plan. Since man is the peak of God’s creation, Proverbs 3:1-18 comes before Proverbs 3:19-20, but in much more detail. The Role of Creation in God’s Divine Plan - Proverbs 3:19-20 shows us the eternal, creative power of divine wisdom. If God determined His future by following the path of wisdom, how much more should we pursue this same path. Although wisdom plays an important role in man’s purpose in God’s creation, it also plays a much wider role in bringing God’s creation into His overall purpose and plan. These two little verses give us a hint that we have been created for a purpose that is much greater than we can imagine. We are to play an important role in ruling and reigning within God’s great expanse of creation. It reveals to us that God has prepared a much greater plan for mankind after He has redeemed His children to glory. Romans 8:19-21 we see how all of God’s creation is groaning and travailing with mankind until the redemption comes and delivers all from bondage. Romans 8:19-21, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

Proverbs 3:21-26

By Wisdom Man Decides His Own Destiny - If God’s divine wisdom determines the destiny of His creation (Proverbs 3:19-20), then so is our destiny determined by the wisdom that operates in our lives. In Proverbs 3:21-26 we see that through wisdom, every person decides his or her own destiny in life. A person decides the success of his or her relationships, direction, health and material prosperity. Our destiny is not in the hands of fate, our parents, our friends, nor circumstances. Destiny lies in the hands of each individual. Wisdom offers security. This passage tells us that everyone decides his or her own destiny, in their relationships with others, in the renewing of their minds, in their health, and in their financial prosperity. It also tells us that there is not a circumstance in this life that has the power to remove our peace. This is why Paul refers to God’s peace as passing beyond all understanding in the natural (Philippians 4:7). This is because it is supernatural. Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Proverbs 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: Proverbs 3:21 — Word Study on “depart” - Strong says the Hebrew word “depart” (ìåּ ?æ) (H3868) means, “to to turn aside, to depart, to be perverse.”

Proverbs 3:27-35

Wisdom’s Principles of Walking in Love with Our Neighbors Brings us into God’s Eternal Glory – Since man can determine his own destiny by following the path of divine wisdom, the next passage (Proverbs 3:27-35) reveals to us that by walking in wisdom with our neighbor we will inherit the glory that God intended for us, which is our destiny, and we will be delivered from God’s wrath that comes upon the wicked. As a summary of chapter three, we see that the path of wisdom will lead us to spiritual, mental, physical and material blessings (Proverbs 3:1-18). If God uses wisdom to determine the destiny of His creation (Proverbs 3:19-20), so do our choices determine our own destiny (Proverbs 3:21-26) as we learn to walk in wisdom with our neighbour (Proverbs 3:27-35). Therefore, this passage of Scripture gives us the manifold aspects of wisdom. It is like the light that reflects through a beautiful diamond. A diamond has many different sides that reflect different colors of the rainbow. A diamond is able to show us the many different colors of light. Yet, each color reflected from this diamond is a part of the same light beam. In comparison, wisdom has many different colors, or dimensions. Yet, together, this passage shows us a wisdom that is perfect and complete. Complete wisdom is learning to apply all of these verses to our lives, so that the blessings of God will be evident in every area of life. Only then will we be able to fulfill the eternal destiny that God has created us for as a part of His overall plan for His eternal creation. A careful examination of this passage of Scripture will reveal to us how it is related to the opening passage of this chapter. Proverbs 3:27-28 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:9 by telling us how to give to those with genuine needs. This is how we are to honor the Lord with our substance. Proverbs 3:29-30 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:7 by telling us not to get into strife with our neighbour. We are to “depart from evil,” or “depart from strife.” We know that people who are wise in their own eyes tend towards strife. Proverbs 3:31-32 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:5 by telling us not to follow the path of the oppressor, but to find the secret counsel of the Lord when making decisions.

Proverbs 3:33-34 serves to illustrate Proverbs 3:3 by teaching us to walk with a humble heart and not allow pride to bring us into scorn towards others. For in humility, we are able to show mercy to others and to walk in the truth of God’s Word. The final verse of this passage, Proverbs 3:35, tells us that we can choose between two destinies, according to how we sow in the areas of spirit, mind, body and finances. Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Illustration of Sowing Financially — Proverbs 3:27-282. Illustration of Sowing Physically — Proverbs 3:29-303. Illustration of Sowing Mentally — Proverbs 3:31-324. Illustration of Sowing Spiritually — Proverbs 3:33-34 —
2. Glory or Shame — Proverbs 3:35 Proverbs 3:27-28 — Illustration of Sowing Financially (Your Testimony of Prosperity: Your Neighbour Will See your Blessings and Ask) (Proverbs 3:9) –- Your neighbour will see the blessings of God in your life and will desire those same things for himself. You will be able to lend unto many and borrow from none (Deuteronomy 28:12). You will be able to tell him how he can have the same by serving the Lord. Proverbs 3:27-28 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:9 by telling us how to give to those with genuine needs. This is how we are to honor the Lord with our substance. Deuteronomy 28:12, “The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.” Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Proverbs 3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Proverbs 3:29-30 — Illustration of Sowing Physically (Your Testimony of Self-control: Do Not Get into Strife with Your Neighbour) (Proverbs 3:7) –– Proverbs 3:29-30 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:7 by telling us not to get into strife with our neighbour. We are to “depart from evil,” or “depart from strife.” We know that people who are wise in their own eyes tend towards strife. Proverbs 3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Proverbs 3:29 — “he dwelleth securely by thee” - Comments - The NKJV says, “he dwells by you for safety’s sake.” In this modern English version, the phrase could mean that people in this period of history found safety in dwelling together. In the USA, it is not so much a factor, but in many countries today, a neighbor provides much needed safety against thieves, seeing homes of poor people have no means of being secure from thieves. Living in Africa, the safest homes in the neighborhood are those surrounded by the watchful eyes of neighbors. Those homes that are distant from neighbors are more vulnerable to disaster and thieves. The DRC follows the interpretation of most English versions on this verse, “Practise not evil against thy friend, when he hath confidence in thee.” It could mean that one should not take advantage of a person who is living peacefully nearby, and is not protected against a sudden act of terror from his very neighbor. Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Proverbs 3:31-32 — Illustration of Sowing Mentally (Your Testimony of Mental Acuteness) (Proverbs 3:5) – Proverbs 3:31-32 serves as an illustration of Pro 3:5 by telling us not to follow the path of the oppressor, but to find the secret counsel of the Lord when making decisions. Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. Proverbs 3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. Proverbs 3:32 — “but his secret is with the righteous” - Comments - The context of this passage in Proverbs 3:27-35 is to walk in love with one’s neighbour. This is the secret to becoming a success in life. If someone were to ask Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, Kenneth Hagin or Rex Humbard, all men now in their 80’s, all men having their wives with them, to explain what was their secret to successful ministry, these men of God would probably say that it was walking in love with people. These men feared God and simply obeyed Him and they walked in love with their neighbors. This is the secret in life. “The righteous” in this passage refers to men of God such as these just mentioned. Proverbs 3:33-34 — Illustration of Sowing Spiritually (Your Testimony of Humility) (Proverbs 3:3) – Proverbs 3:33-34 serves to illustrate Proverbs 3:3 by teaching us to walk with a humble heart and not allow pride to bring us into scorn towards others. For in humility, we are able to show mercy to others and to walk in the truth of God’s Word. Proverbs 3:33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Proverbs 3:35 — Glory or Shame – Proverbs 3:35 summarizes the outcome of two journeys in life. For those who pursue wisdom, they will be promoted to glory and praise from God and men. For those who reject wisdom, they will be brought low with shame.Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Proverbs 3:35 — “The wise shall inherit glory” - Word Study on “glory” - Gesenius says the Hebrew word (ëָּ ?áåֹ ?ã) (H3519) means, “heaviness, honour, glory, majesty.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 200 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “glory 156, honour 32, glorious 10, gloriously 1, honourable 1.” Note the JPS, “The wise shall inherit honour; but as for the fools, they carry away shame.” Comments - The opposite of honour is shame, and both are used in this verse. We see the contrast that the wise are promoted to honour, but the fools are promoted, or displayed before all men, in their shame. Scripture Reference - Note a similar verse: Proverbs 4:9, “She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” Proverbs 3:35 — Comments - The final verse of this passage tells us that we can choose between two destinies, according to how we sow in the areas of spirit, mind, body and finances. One of the greatest examples of the wise inheriting glory is the Lord Jesus Christ. He chose the door that led down a path of shame and humility, but at the end of this journey was glory at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The fool chose the door that said “pride and promotion.” This led the fool down a path of shame and dishonour. Sometimes it is the difficult path that gives the greatest honor, while the easy path leads to shame. In these ancient societies, the person that displayed God’s blessings and wealth was looked upon with great honor. Abraham serves as an excellent example of this. Those who struggled in poverty and foolishness all of their lives were looked upon with shame.