Proverbs 3 ~The Power of Wisdom
My child, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
for length of days and years of life
and abundant welfare they will give you.
Proverbs 3:1-2 (NRSV) Read full Proverb here
Proverbs 3 talks about leading our lives with kindness, and faith in God, rather than ourselves. It says that when obstacles are put in our way, we should search for God’s wisdom and understanding, have sound judgment and discretion, and be wary of those not walking in His footsteps.
This Proverb is as well-loved today as it always has been, probably because the advice it contains is as relevant today as it ever was.
Because there are times for us when things don’t go according to plan, times when we get held up, slowed down, or rejected even.
It can be stressful and demotivating when things don’t happen the way we think they should. But this Proverb is saying lean closer to God in times of trial because he has a plan for us all, and sometimes he will cause a delay or change of process because he sees the bigger picture of our lives, which he planned for us before we were even born.
When we lean into our Good Shepherd during life’s trials, he will lead us on straight paths to our destiny.
It’s essential to keep faith when we are unsure of what is happening. Letdowns do not mean it is all your fault. It doesn’t mean that you are not in the right place doing the right thing.
We need to surrender ourselves to God and carry on doing what we know are the right things to do.
The Apostle Peter was handcuffed and locked in a cell with sixteen soldiers guarding him. His future did not look good, but he was calm because he had surrendered himself to God’s will.
An angel came to him in the night, and the handcuffs fell from Peter’s hands. The angel said follow me, which he did, thinking he was dreaming.
They passed by all the guards, but no one noticed them. Then they came to the enormous iron gates fronting the prison, and Peter must have thought there is no way we will open those. But the angel said, keep on walking, and as Peter walked in faith, they walked right through the gates and found themselves outside the prison.
Peter, would probably have known Proverbs 3 by heart, as today we know the Lord’s Prayer; the proverb would probably have been close to his heart during that dangerous situation.
He would have remained kind and faithful, trusting God, accepting the obstacles in his way, and behaving wisely with understanding, sound judgment, and discretion.
God did things for Peter that helped him reach his eternal destiny, the rock upon which His Church was built. He saved Peter’s life through a series of miracles, and he can do this today for us still.
I pray that you can stay strong in difficult times and allow yourself to ‘just be’ and surrender yourself to God as he works for your good. Don’t be despondent and dwell on your difficulties; get a new perspective.
Perceive your difficulties as divine intervention; trust in your Good Shepherd, and he will guide you into green pastures.
Psalm 3 teaches us to be loyal and faithful to others, honour and trust the Lord, and strive to learn, understand, and become wise.
Happy are those who find wisdom,
and those who get understanding,
for her income is better than silver,
and her revenue better than gold.
Proverbs 3:13-14 (NRSV) Read full Proverb here.
