Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Proverbs 3:13-14

Proverbs 3 is rich with some amazing promises. Let’s have a look.

• Long life, riches and honor. (Proverbs 3:16)
• Pleasantness and peace.(Proverbs 3:17)
• Blessing.(Proverbs 3:18)
• Security. (Proverbs 3:23)
• Freedom from fear and sweet sleep. (Proverbs 3:24)
• Confidence and safety. (Proverbs 3:26)

How do we claim these promises? Very simple.

• Obey God
• Trust God
• Honor God
• Submit to God

Solomon goes on to give us some real life applications for the instruction he has given.

Again, very simple.

First of all he tells us to be fair, compassionate, and generous.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. (vs. 27-28)

Basically we are being told, pay what you owe, share what you have, give what you can. As God has blessed us, we are to bless others with whatever resources we have been given whether it be our finances, our time, or our knowledge. We are told in Matthew as we have freely received we are to freely give. For a follower of Christ, our greatest blessing is our salvation; what better blessing could we share than the light of the gospel with one who is in darkness?

Solomon then says we are to be trustworthy.

Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. (vs. 29)

If you have ever been betrayed by a close, trusted friend you know what a painful experience it is. The hurt can last for months or sometimes years. Even when we forgive, the heart does not easily forget and it can take a long time before we trust again.

Next we are told, don’t go looking for trouble.

Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. (V. 30)

Ever know someone who seems to thrive on drama? Its as if they are only happy when there is some turmoil going on. In My experience they mostly create their drama with words, whether it be gossip, false accusations, back-biting or just plain contrariness. They don’t just look for trouble, they start it! I don’t know about you but I tend to avoid such people whenever possible. Certainly we don’t want to be that person.

Solomon wraps it all up nicely with some “ifs, ands, and buts”.

Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence. The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace. (Vs. 31-35)

I have said the conditions for claiming the promises of Proverbs 3 are simple, and they are, but simple doesn’t always mean easy does it? Truth is when we are faced with temptation, we can find it hard to obey. When things look dark, we struggle to trust. When we are battling the wants of our flesh, submitting is the last thing we want to do. And then, there are those times that we must choose between pleasing man and honoring God, that is when our conflict can be the greatest.

We have discussed it in previous lessons, God’s promises are often conditional but His conditions are not complicated nor are they burdensome (see 1John 5:3). God is not a puppet master, sitting up above pulling strings to make us do what He wants us to do. Because He loves us, He gives us a simple choice – we can do right or we can do wrong. It is when we are faced with this choice that we must stop and reflect. We must weigh out the cost against the reward. We must look beyond the temporal to the eternal; we must look to Jesus.

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THIS WEEK:

Review the promises given in Proverbs 3. Which of these, if any, do you feel are lacking in your life?

Could it be the reason you are lacking is that you need to give more attention to one or more of the 4 conditions given for claiming the promises? If so, which one(s)?

Regarding the “real life” applications, is there an area in which you struggle?

If so, what specific steps do you need to take to make a change for the better?

As you reflect on this week’s lesson, write a prayer asking the Lord to give you the strength you need to be victorious in the areas you have identified.

READING FOR NEXT WEEK:

Proverbs chapter 4

Until next time.

Grace and Peace,