Day Three of Proverbs
I have an uncle who has been so good at reciting jokes. One after the other. I remember dying with laughter around the table while playing family games in Alaska. My younger brother used to do tell jokes like this, also. It must be something that runs in the family, but not with me – I have only a single joke I remember and never seem to get the laughs as others may.
Along the same line, I know several who are great at quoting one-liners that are either pithy, or deadly serious, but either way they are nuggets of wisdom. I love to read these statements, along with quotes of the centuries by those who have made memorable statements.
You may call these Pearls, or Nuggets, of Wisdom. Throughout the book of Proverbs you will find single and small grouping of verses that contain deeply thought out principles. Some of these have been marked in my various bibles since I was a young person.
Jesus even taught that these “pearls” are so valuable that one sold all he had and bought the nugget. (Matthew 13:46)
Today, I’m focusing simply on chapter 3, and some favored verses, and not in any particular order….
Pearls. Nuggets. Wisdom.
First…
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)
- The root of the word for “trust” describes the idea that one “goes quickly for refuge”. Trust is more than “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something”, it is running to it quickly when you need something to hold on to when staring in the face of life that has something you cannot comprehend, or understand.
- This “trust” means I depend upon the Lord even when my own understanding of life seemingly correct, or suspect! Eve listened to the serpent and was convinced of a better way. David saw Bathsheba and let his morals slip sideways. Jonah felt threatened by the calling and fled by boat as far from his calling as he could.
- In everything I do, my ways should continue to know and learn to know him. And with that idea he will direct me in my walk.
Second…
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.(Proverbs 3:9-10 KJV)
- Honor is the same concept by word and deed of the commandment that gives us promise of long life. “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the lord thy God give thee.” You cannot honor one, without honoring the other.
- The concept for honoring God with our substance lends itself to the idea that we should take what we have and make it profitable for ourselves, as well as for the Kingdom. Each increase requires us to give our tithe to God. Our first fruits. Not our left overs, or anything taken by ill-gotten gains. But an honorable way of increasing our ways and honoring God.
Finally…
My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. (Proverbs 3:1-2 NKJV)
- This is the same concept we find throughout the book. Remember the Law. Keep His commandments. It will be profitable for you, and it will give you peace.
Think about it. Selah.
Somewhere along the way we need to grab hold of statements that reinforce how we are to live, and make them like a daily mantra…repeating them over and over. That’s why scripture is not a waste of time. That’s why I love that Solomon, the son of David, has his dad’s writings to help him…
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
(Psalms 119:11 KJV)