1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings from King Solomon, known for his great wisdom and understanding. It is a book of the Old Testament in the Bible and is known for its practical and timeless advice on how to live a good and righteous life. Chapter 3 of the Book of Proverbs continues with this theme, providing guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and others.
There are several main themes that can be identified in Chapter 3 of the Book of Proverbs. These include the importance of wisdom, the rewards of following God's commandments, the value of trust and humility, and the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom. Let us explore each of these themes in more detail.
The Importance of Wisdom
The first verse of Chapter 3 sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, emphasizing the importance of wisdom: "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments" (Proverbs 3:1, KJV). This verse highlights the importance of not only knowing God's law but also keeping it in our hearts. This suggests that wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about applying it in our daily lives.
The chapter goes on to describe wisdom as a valuable treasure, worth more than silver and gold (Proverbs 3:14-15). This theme of wisdom as a precious and desirable possession is repeated throughout the book, emphasizing its importance in leading a good and fulfilling life.
The Rewards of Following God's Commandments
One of the central messages of Chapter 3 is the idea that following God's commandments leads to blessings and rewards. This is described in various ways throughout the chapter, such as "length of days, and long life, and peace" (Proverbs 3:2, KJV) and "health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones" (Proverbs 3:8, KJV). These rewards are not just physical but also spiritual, as the chapter also speaks of the joy and peace that come from trusting in God and following His ways.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of generosity and kindness, stating that those who are generous and give to the poor will be blessed by God (Proverbs 3:27-28). This idea aligns with the biblical teaching of loving and caring for others, and highlights the importance of living a life that is not just focused on oneself but also on helping and serving others.
The Value of Trust and Humility
Another important theme in Chapter 3 is the value of trust and humility. The chapter encourages readers to trust in God and not lean on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). This teaches us to rely on God and His guidance rather than our own limited knowledge and understanding. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that "the Lord resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (Proverbs 3:34, KJV). This highlights the importance of having a humble and teachable attitude, recognizing that we are not all-knowing and can always learn from God and others.
The Consequences of Rejecting God's Wisdom
Chapter 3 also warns against the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom. It speaks of the dangers of envy and strife, stating that they can lead to bitterness and destruction (Proverbs 3:31-32). This serves as a reminder that following God's ways and seeking wisdom can protect us from harmful behaviors and negative consequences.
The chapter also cautions against the temptation to be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7), which can lead to pride and self-righteousness. This highlights the importance of humility and recognizing that true wisdom comes from God.
Overall, Chapter 3 of the Book of Proverbs teaches us the importance of seeking and following God's wisdom in our lives. It reminds us that wisdom is not just about knowledge but also about living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to ourselves and others. The chapter also emphasizes the rewards of following God's commandments and the consequences of rejecting His wisdom. It teaches us to trust in God, be humble, and live a life of generosity and kindness. Ultimately, the chapter encourages us to live a life that is guided by wisdom and rooted in faith, with the promise of blessings and peace along the way.
In conclusion, Chapter 3 of the Book of Proverbs is a powerful guide for living a wise and righteous life. It highlights the importance of wisdom, the rewards of following God's commandments, the value of trust and humility, and the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom. Its teachings are timeless and relevant, providing guidance and encouragement for all who seek to live a life that is pleasing to God.
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