Wisdom Lesson 5 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
Reflective Reading: Proverbs 3
Wisdom Lesson 5 is a game-changer. The father begins by reminding his son that if he keeps his commandments the result will be a long and peaceful life. If he cultivates character that is merciful and truthful, he will find favor with God and man. As he trusts in the Lord with all his heart, does not lean to his own understanding, is not wise in his own eyes, but fears the LORD and departs from evil, he will enjoy health and vitality. Finally, if he honors the LORD with his substance and gives of the first fruits of his increase, then his barns will be filled, and his wine-presses will overflow (Proverbs 3:1-10).
With promises such as these, I’m in! But, pursuer of Wisdom, beware; just when everything in life seems good, a curve ball is sure to come; thus the reason for the next verse:
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Pro. 3:11-12)
That verse doesn’t seem to fit the context, does it? Why would God suddenly bring chastening and correction just when everything is the way you’ve always dreamed? Because that is when correction is needed most. When our road is smooth and absent of restrictions, it becomes easy to forget where our blessings come from.
In Psalm 103, David teaches us that when praise ceases people forget God. When people forget God, praise ceases. It is in this same manner that the father is warning his son of the dangers of blessings. When God fills the son’s barns with grain and his wine overflows—he is to beware! A blessed life can lead to a complacent life.
The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in his first letter to Timothy:
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share; thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (I Tim. 6:17-19) [translation mine]
So beware of the subtle traps that complacency brings. If the son forgets where his blessings came from, and is no longer giving to God His due, then chastening and correction are soon to follow. However, if the son learns from God’s chastening hand and corrective measures, then Proverbs 3:13-26 speaks of the promises he can anticipate:
Happiness, Wisdom and Discernment
Profits better than silver, fine gold, and rubies
Nothing he desires is to be compared to Wisdom
Long life, riches, and honor
Pleasantness and peace
Wisdom to be a tree of a life
Vitality and grace
Safety and unrestricted forward motion
No fear of sudden terror and the wicked
His foot will not stumble and his sleep will be sweet
Confidence and safety
Seem too good to be true? Perhaps, but you can bank on this truth: God always keeps his promises—all 8,767 of them! Moreover, this list of blessings cannot be compared with anything that the world has to offer. If we and our children had Wisdom as our highest pursuit in life, then we would be able to enjoy not just one of the above rewards, but all of them! Note, however, these blessings are only guaranteed to the one who:
finds wisdom….and acquires discernment...(Pro. 3:13)
Unlike the son’s earlier blessings of verses 1-10, these blessings are not temporal. His happiness is no longer found in larger barns, extended vineyards, and increasing his 401k portfolio. However, just as the earlier mentioned blessings led to complacency that resulted in correction and redirection, these closing blessings bring new direction and purpose to life. His new focus is to share his wisdom and prosperity with others. His assignment is then to:
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it (Pro. 3:27).
As the father brings this fifth Wisdom lesson to a close, he shares a very unique framing device with his son:
Surely he scorns the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the humble. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. (Pro. 3:34-35)
This concluding statement was intentionally designed to frame the primary truths that would serve as an unforgettable reminder to the son:
A Scorners
B Grace
C Humble
C’ Wise
B’ Glory
A’ Fools
Notice that the humble and wise are in the center of this structure. That in itself speaks volumes. Humility leads to a life of Wisdom. A life of Wisdom will be characterized by grace and glory. If the son does not listen to his father’s instruction, his life will be characterized by scorning and shame. Once again the son is presented with a choice. How he responds to correction will determine whether he will become a wise man or a fool.
If you are enjoying these Wisdom lessons, you won’t want to miss next week’s blog! In Wisdom Lesson 6 we will learn how to “get” Wisdom. Once found, you will be honored, receive the promises of a long life, and find the secret to a healthy life!
God bless,
Mark Hamby
Recommended Reading:
Trusty Gets off Track (Ages 2-5)
Struck by Lightning (Ages 9-14)
Parable of the Two Millstones (Ages 9-14)
White Gypsy (Ages 12-99)
