September 15, 2017
THE FINAL TEST OF UNDERSTANDING IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
Proverbs 3:13-35
Victoria Rogers
Central Truth
If God is weighing your heart down to make a decision, it is wise to be obedient; because more than likely, He is trying to save you from some trouble and allow you to walk the perfect and pleasing path He has for you.
Key Verse | Proverbs 3:13–14
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gains understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver,
and her profit better than gold.
(Proverbs 3:13-14)
Proverbs 3:13-35
Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom
13
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
14
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
15
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.
19
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
by understanding he established the heavens;
20
by his knowledge the deeps broke open,
and the clouds drop down the dew.
21
My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22
and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
23
Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
24
If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25
Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin
1
3:25
Hebrew storm
of the wicked, when it comes,
26
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
2
3:27
Hebrew Do not withhold good from its owners
when it is in your power to do it.
28
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
29
Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
who dwells trustingly beside you.
30
Do not contend with a man for no reason,
when he has done you no harm.
31
Do not envy a man of violence
and do not choose any of his ways,
32
for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD,
but the upright are in his confidence.
33
The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34
Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
3
3:34
Or grace
35
The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get
4
3:35
The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
disgrace.
Dive Deeper | Proverbs 3:13-35
When trying to comprehend the key verse, it is important to understand what each word means. I am replacing key words with dictionary definitions. In other words, the verse is saying “joyful” is the one who finds “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting,” and the one who gets “insight or good judgment,” for the “benefit” from her is better than the “benefit” from silver; and her “advantage” better than gold.
In the entire book of Proverbs, there are many truths and principles that impart wisdom to the reader and can be applied in everyday life. For example, many times in my walk with God, I have needed guidance and wisdom! In Proverbs 2:6, it says that “the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” So I have cried out to God for help. In one particular situation, I was debating if I should continue dating someone or not, and the Lord revealed to me in Scripture the wisdom I needed to make that decision.
“[U]nderstanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness” (Proverbs 2:11b-13) Although break-ups are not easy, God can see the greater picture that we cannot. If God is weighing your heart down to make a decision, it is wise to be obedient. More than likely, He is trying to save you from some trouble and allow you to walk the perfect and pleasing path He has for you.
In this situation, financial gain was not at stake, but I believe the principle stood true. What I gained from the wisdom and understanding that God gave me in dating holds more value than money! It gave me knowledge about what characteristics to look for in a spouse, and it gave me wisdom to help my friends and family who are dating. Relationships are hard enough, but applying wisdom and understanding to them will save you a lot of heartache and wasted time.
Discussion Questions
1. How have wisdom and understanding benefited you?
2. What is a situation you can remember when God was calling you to make a decision? How did that work out?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to ask God for wisdom?