The Book of Proverbs.
Chapter 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity
.3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father to the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who find wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
and in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight.
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those to who deserve it.
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later, I’ll give it to you tomorrow”
— when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason,
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man,
or choose any of his ways.
32 For the LORD detests a perverse man,
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
*** ENCORE 1 ***
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
*** ENCORE 2 ***
.3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Questions to Ponder: Why does God change pronouns from "he" to "she" when He is talking about wisdom and understanding? Why does he personify intellect? Have you been following the commands of God listed is this chapter? Do you sleep peacefully at night? Why are love and faithfulness important? In what ways are Proverbs Chapter 3 and 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 similar? Do you trust in the Lord with all your heart? Are you walking the straight and righteous path?
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, let the love and faithfulness I have in You, never leave me. Show me how to bind them around my neck and write them on my heart. I trust you with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. I do not rely on my own understanding - but I acknowledge You as the one true living God who knows all, see all, and creates and destroys all. Lord Jesus make my path straight and teach me how to rely on You, and only You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, let the love and faithfulness I have in You, never leave me. Show me how to bind them around my neck and write them on my heart. I trust you with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. I do not rely on my own understanding - but I acknowledge You as the one true living God who knows all, see all, and creates and destroys all. Lord Jesus make my path straight and teach me how to rely on You, and only You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.