The Prescription For A Blessed Life: Walking Through Proverbs 3

Today we continue our walk through Proverbs in chapter 3. I highly recommend you take a moment to read through it before you continue. As usual, I won’t be doing a verse-by-verse study. Rather, I’m just sharing what sticks out to me at this time, and as always, I’d love to know what you are learning from Proverbs, too.

There Is Encouragement In Wisdom

I’ll admit it. I’m the kind of person who can find the discouragement in absolutely anything. For me, the hard work is seeing the positive. A 98% survival rate for me is a glaring 2% death rate. Proverbs, despite being a very encouraging book, can concern me. I read the warnings and wonder, “Is that me?” Sometimes, I’m left feeling like persevering through all the trappings of my own foolishness is an impossible feat.

My assessment is, in fact, technically true. I’ll never overcome my foolishness enough to live a life defined by true wisdom. Thankfully, I don’t have to because the Holy Spirit who indwells me has changed my desires and draws me to Godly thinking. Always? No. I’m still quite capable of choosing sin, and I don’t always obey God. By God’s grace, my sanctification is slow but steady.

For those times, though, in which I can’t seem to get myself out of a negative spiral of thinking, I can always come to Proverbs 3. This chapter, in particular, is such an encouragement to me. It warns me about a real and ever-present tendency I have (Proverbs 3:5), but most of it simply reminds me of what God has made available to me, and all Christians, when we seek and attain His wisdom. This wisdom, I should add, has not been kept secret and reserved for only a select few. Rather, He’s made it readily available for the whole world to access.

Proverbs 3: Wisdom Offers Blessings

Generally, it’s wise to be wise. That’s right. You’ve heard it here first, folks. Just call me Captain Obvious, I guess.

But what I mean is that, even if you removed talk of God, faith, religion, etc., living a life according to God’s wisdom is going to be a great benefit to one’s life. Deep down, I think most people understand that, but those who are offended by God are going to reject His wisdom even if they know it is good for them.

As believers, though, our focus should be on what God has to say about wisdom. Specifically, how can we be wise and why should we be? Proverbs 3 reveals multiple blessings that stem from living a life of wisdom. Let’s take a glance at those.

1. Years Of Life And Peace

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”

Proverbs 3:1-2

This is a good example of wisdom being the best for everyone no matter the worldview from which you come. How many people have died far too young because of living a foolish life? How big a role has a lack of wisdom played in the spike in mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety?

2. Favor And Success With God And Man

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”

Proverbs 3:3-4

You might wonder why it matters if we find favor in man. Aren’t we supposed to focus on the Lord, and shouldn’t our concerns be with spiritual matters over worldly ones? Yes. However, having a good reputation in your community is good for your daily life (e.g., business, school, etc.), and it keeps doors open with people you know for a gospel witness.

3. Healing And Refreshment

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

Proverbs 3:7-8

Without the consequences of sin in our lives such as fear, stress, and guilt, we can have better physical and emotional health.

4. Your Needs Will Be Met

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

Proverbs 3:9-10

When we give to God, He meets our needs. I’m sure all of us have faced a time in our lives when giving any money seemed as if it would have disastrous effects on our finances. I’m not saying how much to give, but I am saying that I have seen and personally experienced math not mathing like I thought it should. Even though my husband and I chose to give money back to God when we couldn’t afford it, all our needs were still met.

I understand continuing to give during financial hardship takes a big step in faith, but our God is faithful. He may not always meet our needs the way we expect, but He does meet them.

5. Life For Your Soul

“My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.”

Proverbs 3:21-22

Holding fast to God’s wisdom sustains the deepest part of a person. This is imperative to living the abundant life Christians are promised. We don’t just walk around getting through our day. Christians lead peaceful and purposeful lives that demonstrate joy and hope in the Lord. Living out His wisdom is attractive and noticeable to those around us just as a beautiful necklace around our necks is.

6. A Secure Walk And Sound Sleep

“Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Proverbs 3:23-24

When we’re following God’s wisdom, we are much less likely to fall into temptations and sins. Our spiritual walk can never be perfect on this side of eternity, but if we walk wisely, it’ll be much less treacherous than a fool’s. Also, when we trust God’s wisdom and obey it, our sleep is not interrupted by anxiety, concern, or guilt. We can sleep peacefully knowing we are in God’s hand.

Final Thought

These are not the only blessings we receive when we seek God’s wisdom, but these are tremendous promises from God, who we know keeps all of His promises. We can count on Him to follow through, but there is even more we know that He will do regarding wisdom. What happens when we don’t pursue it?

“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.”

Proverbs 3:33-35

God does not bless foolishness. He returns it back to the fool in the form of disgrace. Not just that, but those who are wicked and scornful are cursed and scorned in return. Friend, there isn’t an ambiguous position to take with wisdom. You either seek it or are a fool. And frankly, to not seek wisdom, and by extension, God’s blessing, is incredibly foolish.

I skipped over a lot of Proverbs 3. What would you add?

Seeking Wisdom: Walking Through Proverbs 1

Protection Of Wisdom: Walking Through Proverbs 2

Image courtesy of Aaron Burden via Unsplash.