Proverbs 1:1-13
BY NOW we understand that a wise person is not really an intellectual person and a blessed life not necessarily a materially-loaded life.
A wise and blessed life is directly connected to a godly life, the result of God’s grace honouring our efforts...a blessed life that enjoys the grace of God to the fullest, as receiver and as a channel of grace. A wise life on the other hand is not about not committing mistakes...rather, it’s an attitude of desperate dependence upon God. A wise and blessed life is vitally connected to one’s prayer and worship life. How is a blessed life described in Proverbs 3:1-13?
1. A wise and blessed life is defined by the relationships we savor
Life is not a solo act but a choir that needs to be harmonized to create wonderful music. Basically, we all maintain three important relationships...namely, our relationship with God, with others and with our selves.
· Relationship with God (Faith) (v.5-6) Wisdom starts with the assumption that God exists! The very core of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.
· Relationship with others (Friendship) (vv 3-4) In verse 3, the writer reveals the time-tested ingredients in relating well: “never let loyalty and kindness leave you!” these two wisdom attitudes are tools for both good and evil. Verse 4 completes the picture of how it looks when you are rightly related with God...winning favour from people around you and enjoying a good reputation because of this.
· Relationship with yourself (FAVOR) A Blessed life is a life with a holy and healthy view of self!
2. A wise and blessed is displayed by the resources we share(v.7-10)
Verses 8-10 give us a direct connection of wisdom to the resources we have. Remember when God blessed us, He expects that we become channels of blessings rather than just containers.
· Wisdom and wellness (vv 7-8) Health is connected not only to hygiene and healthy eating habits; it is vitally connected to the spiritual state of the heart. Verse 8 describes wellness of the body as a consequence of verse 7 which is about trusting God and turning away from evil.
· Wisdom and Generosity (vv. 9-10) Here we are admonished to honor the Lord with our wealth...a specific instruction that assaults the most sensitive nerve of greed. In the New Testament, 2 Cor. 9:7-8 is a wise guide on how a believer should give...it says: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure, for God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others: (1) Don’t worship it; (2) Don’t waste it; (3) Don’t withhold it.
3. A wise and a blessed life is disinfected by the rebukes we suffer (v.11-13)
Rebuke, discipline...corrections are part of the package of the wise and blessed life. Pray for an open, a humble, and a grateful heart.
Let us pray
“Abba, deliver me from isolation while You equip me in solitude. Help me to always put You first and at the center of my life. Help me relate with others with an authentic heart, let loyalty and kindness be a reflection of Your grace. Let me delight in the discipline of Your gracious hand, for if I fall, I would rather fall in the hands of my Abba than be pampered by the flattery of the evil one. Abba, help me see Your image in me, remind me that by faith in Christ I stand redeemed, help me love myself with the unconditional love you have for me. Lord, hear my prayer. Amen”