Proverbs 3
Proverbs 3
Proverbs 3 is one of the more famous chapters in the book of Proverbs. It is quoted. It is taught on. It resonates with our hearts in major ways. In fact, not too long ago we went through a whole message series on Proverbs 3. This is a whole book on wisdom… Wisdom is something we are going to be talking a lot about.
Knowledge is information… Wisdom is the application of knowledge.
Wisdom is worth SO MUCH. It is valuable. Reread Proverbs 3:13-18…
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
Knowledge is only half the objective… The real objective is wisdom. Joy and peace are found where wisdom is.
But how do we run after wisdom? Running after wisdom starts with trusting God more than we trust ourselves. We see this in verses 1-12.
1) TRUST THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD (v.1-2)
God’s commands are not God’s ways to ruin our fun. He gives us commandments for our GOOD. Just like a parent with their children, God has our best in mind. Trust Him and obey.
2) CHOOSE LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS (v.3-4)
These are attributes of God and they should be attributes of followers of God. It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is, what the other person did, or what you are walking through. When we have wisdom, these guide us.
3) TRUST IN GOD’S WAYS OVER OUR WAYS (v.5-8)
The quickest way to avoid wisdom is to look to ourselves over God. God’s ways may not always make logical sense to us, we may think there is a better way, but there is not. His ways are always best.
Things just work better when you do them God’s way.
4) HONOR GOD WITH YOUR WEALTH (v.9-10)
When we have wisdom… when we live with an eternal perspective… We do not idolize things of this world. We constantly ask ourselves “How do I (1) honor God with what He has given me (2) leverage what God has given me for the kingdom of God?
5) TRUST IN GOD’S DISCIPLINE (v.11-12)
The last pathway to wisdom Solomon talks about in Proverbs 3 is to trust and love the discipline of God. God disciplines because He loves us and wants our best. We should (1) welcome that and (2) be thankful for that.
Never forget: Conviction is not God calling you OUT… Conviction is God calling you IN… to a deeper relationship with Him… Listen.
What area is God showing you that you need to pursue Him more in?
Family Discussion:
1) Why are God’s ways better than our ways?
2) How do we use what God says to make wise choices?
By: Nick Parsons
Proverbs 3 is one of the more famous chapters in the book of Proverbs. It is quoted. It is taught on. It resonates with our hearts in major ways. In fact, not too long ago we went through a whole message series on Proverbs 3. This is a whole book on wisdom… Wisdom is something we are going to be talking a lot about.
Knowledge is information… Wisdom is the application of knowledge.
Wisdom is worth SO MUCH. It is valuable. Reread Proverbs 3:13-18…
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
Knowledge is only half the objective… The real objective is wisdom. Joy and peace are found where wisdom is.
But how do we run after wisdom? Running after wisdom starts with trusting God more than we trust ourselves. We see this in verses 1-12.
1) TRUST THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD (v.1-2)
God’s commands are not God’s ways to ruin our fun. He gives us commandments for our GOOD. Just like a parent with their children, God has our best in mind. Trust Him and obey.
2) CHOOSE LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS (v.3-4)
These are attributes of God and they should be attributes of followers of God. It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is, what the other person did, or what you are walking through. When we have wisdom, these guide us.
3) TRUST IN GOD’S WAYS OVER OUR WAYS (v.5-8)
The quickest way to avoid wisdom is to look to ourselves over God. God’s ways may not always make logical sense to us, we may think there is a better way, but there is not. His ways are always best.
Things just work better when you do them God’s way.
4) HONOR GOD WITH YOUR WEALTH (v.9-10)
When we have wisdom… when we live with an eternal perspective… We do not idolize things of this world. We constantly ask ourselves “How do I (1) honor God with what He has given me (2) leverage what God has given me for the kingdom of God?
5) TRUST IN GOD’S DISCIPLINE (v.11-12)
The last pathway to wisdom Solomon talks about in Proverbs 3 is to trust and love the discipline of God. God disciplines because He loves us and wants our best. We should (1) welcome that and (2) be thankful for that.
Never forget: Conviction is not God calling you OUT… Conviction is God calling you IN… to a deeper relationship with Him… Listen.
What area is God showing you that you need to pursue Him more in?
Family Discussion:
1) Why are God’s ways better than our ways?
2) How do we use what God says to make wise choices?
By: Nick Parsons
5 Comments
Proverbs 3 is one of my favorite Bible passages. I remember when CPC did a series on this scripture. This scripture applies so much today as it did in the ancient days.
as believers.
This chapter is the perfect plan for our walk as believers; total dependency!
How do I (1) honor God with what He has given me (2) leverage what God has given me for the kingdom of God?
This is something to really think about and ponder on. God graciously bestows many gifts to us, and we should always be thinking about how we can use them for His glory and His Kingdom. Great word today, Nick!
Thank you! 1) God's ways are better than our ways because God always has our best interests in mind as to what I may think is good for me , pride can play a huge part in our decision making in life. 2) We apply The Word of God to our everyday affairs and God tells us the consequences of our choices so why wouldn't we want to align our life up with what God says crucifying self pride daily is a struggle for me.