There are instructions given by God that teach us the ways of life. There are also ways of evil and violence that end in destruction. How is it that gangs and oppressive governments still exist when God gives us a promise of life if we will listen in Proverbs 3:1–2 “may your heart guard my commands. 2 For length of days, years of life, and peace they shall add to you”. God says “retreat from evil” in Proverbs 3:7 and in Proverbs 3:8 “There shall be healing for your flesh, and refreshment for your body”. He says “Listen” in Proverbs 4:10, “take my sayings” and repeats himself with almost a shout in Proverbs 4:13 Seize the instruction! Do not let go! Guard her, for she is your life. This is the path God desires for us to follow in Proverbs 4:18 “the path of the righteous ones is like the light of dawn, leading and shining until the day is full”. Seize the instruction and live!
Years of Life and Peace
Proverbs 3:1-10
There are truths presented to us in God’s word that instruct us in the way of life. In God’s plan, our parents would instruct us in the way. Sadly though, there are many that have never received this instruction either because their parents were not a part of their life or because their parents themselves never learned them. And also sadly, there are times when people’s lives are cut short, and years of the joy and blessing of God are stolen from them. Here though is God’s plan, whether you were taught or not, God himself will instruct you if you ask him and He says in
Proverbs 3:1–2 (LEB) My child, do not forget my instruction, and may your heart guard my commands. 2 For length of days, years of life, and peace they shall add to you.
It is not just that you will find a long life and peace you will also, in
Proverbs 3:4 (LEB) And you shall find favor and good sense in the eyes of God and humankind.
He says “trust him” in Proverbs 3:5 and “acknowledge him” in Proverbs 3:6 and “he will straighten your path”.
He says “retreat from evil” in Proverbs 3:7 and in
Proverbs 3:8 (LEB) There shall be healing for your flesh, and refreshment for your body.
He says “honor” him in Proverbs 3:9 and you will be blessed with abundance in
Proverbs 3:10 (LEB) and your barns shall be full of plenty, and your vats shall burst with new wine.
Happy is One Who Finds Wisdom
Proverbs 3:11-18
Keep Sound Wisdom and Prudence
Proverbs 3:19-27
Inherit the Honor of the Wise
I Have Given Good Instruction
Proverbs 4:1-9
Is there a lesson you learned from your father that still affects your life? How much more has God given us good instruction? Have we heard it? He says “listen”, “be attentive” in Proverbs 4:1 because in
Proverbs 4:2 (LEB) For I have given you good instruction; do not forsake my teaching.
It is for us to hear it and understand it and apply it and internalize it as in
Proverbs 4:4 (LEB) he taught me and said to me, “May your heart hold fast to my words; guard my commandments and live.
Yes, He has given good instruction. Did we get it? Do we have His wisdom? Do we have insight into God’s ways of life?
Proverbs 4:7 (LEB) The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom! With all that is in your possession, gain insight.
Seize the Instruction!
Proverbs 4:10-19
Listen he says and not just because He is speaking, there is a promise attached of long life and straight forward purpose in
Proverbs 4:10–12 (LEB) Listen, my child, take my sayings, and the years of your life shall be great. 11 In the way of wisdom I have instructed you; I have led you in the path of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.
And as if saying “Listen” isn’t enough to get our attention, He says in
Proverbs 4:13 Seize the instruction! Do not let go! Guard her, for she is your life.
There is a way of evil, wickedness, violence that ends in trouble in
Proverbs 4:19 (LEB) The way of the wicked ones is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.
But if we will listen. If we will Seize the instruction! there is a different path in
Proverbs 4:18 (LEB) But the path of the righteous ones is like the light of dawn, leading and shining until the day is full.
Study Verses
- Proverbs 3:1-10 Years of Life and Peace
- Proverbs 4:1-9 I Have Given Good Instruction
- Proverbs 4:10-19 Seize the Instruction!
Today’s Reading
- Proverbs 3:1-35
- Proverbs 4:1-19