2014 Bible Reading,  Proverbs

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3

Bible Passage: Proverbs 3

Our Hearts (v. 1 – 8)

Our heart is a very vital organ both in the physical and spiritual sense. When we have a healthy heart, our whole wellbeing will be at it’s optimal. Similarly, when we have a heart that is obedient and trusting in the Word of God, our spiritual wellbeing will also be optimally pleasing in the eyes of God.

So we really need to examine our hearts in all that we do, to see if our hearts are filled with unhealthy things.

   Keep your heart with all diligence,
   For out of it spring the issues of life.

   Proverbs 4: 23

God looks at our hearts, and as what our Lord Jesus has also revealed to us the truth about our hearts,

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile
a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to
eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

Matthew 15: 18 – 20

Our Possessions (v. 9 – 20)

Without the provision of God, we can have zero possession. All things come from Him and all the sustenance that we need for our survival comes from our Creator God.

Many material things are undeniably essential to our lives, but when we have received provisions from God, we have to use them wisely, always put God first when we use His wealth.

It is also undeniable that we tend to err in many aspects of our lives, so the chastisement of God may come in various ways to steer us back on God’s track, this is indeed a blessing; because:

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a
father does not chasten?

Hebrews 12: 5 – 7 (Author of Hebrews quoted from Proverbs 3: 11 – 12)

Our Conducts (v. 21 – 26)

When we have gain wisdom from the Word of God, we must treasure it and be controlled by it. For so then can our conduct be pleasing in the eyes of God, having confidence in our daily dealings with fellow man.

When we have confidence in the Lord, our sleep will not depart from us, but our sleeps will be sweet and refreshing to both our physical body and soul.

Just as what the Psalmist, David, who had penned Psalm 4 in regards to his experiences with his adversaries. And in the last portion, he says,

You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalms 4: 7 – 8

Indeed, when we are being controlled by God’s wisdom and walking righteously before God and man, there is no guilt to taunt us.

Our Neighbors (v. 27 – 35)

The concept of loving our neighbors as ourselves actually do resound throughout the Bible, for instance even in Leviticus, God commanded:

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people,
but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19: 18

I think it is needless for me to quote what our Lord Jesus has taught about loving our neighbors throughout the New Testament.

So if we want God’s blessings on our home, we have to be a blessing to those around us.

We must share what we have and not hold back, and of course we must not plan evil against others.

This reminds me of what elder James warns us,

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4: 17

May God bless us with a heart of understanding, and a heart that craves after the wisdom of God.

Shalom

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