01.31.24
‘A Glad Commitment- its Foundation’
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)
We arrive at the third chapter in our journey through the Book of Proverbs. If this chapter has a theme, it would be ‘Whole-hearted Discipleship.’ It speaks of living for the Lord fully, unreservedly.
The chapter falls into three sections. The first of these is ‘A Glad Commitment’ (1-12). We will begin to look at this today.
Verses 1-4 speak of sound teaching, which forms the foundation of a life gladly committed to the Lord.
My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: (2) for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you. (3) Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: (4) so shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Herein Solomon gives two pieces of godly counsel, and the blessings that flow from following this counsel.
In the first two verses he urges us to not forget God’s Law, His Word. Though he may be speaking of parental law, ultimately this is to be based on God’s Law.
To ‘forget’ here is a willful forgetfulness. Everyone has trouble with memory, and especially as we age, but willful forgetting is inexcusable.
The rewards for keeping parental rules based on God’s Word are quite attractive. Promised is a long, productive life, and a life filled with peace. Who wouldn’t want these things?
Solomon’s second piece of godly advice, found in verses 3-4, is to keep hold of mercy and truth.
The word used for ‘mercy’ refers to a lack of selfishness. It speaks of being kind and loyal to one’s family and friends.
‘Truth’ refers to the absence of anything false. God is the source of all truth. It is impossible for Him to lie.
If you think about it, mercy and truth, are the key elements of a moral character.
What are we to do with these precious elements? We are to grasp them tightly and adorn ourselves with them. They are to be a vital part of our life.
Once again, the rewards for heeding this advice are very attractive. We will find success in our relationships with both God and others. We will also have a measure of prudence in the many things that come our way. People of old, like Joseph, Ruth, Esther and Daniel demonstrated that kind of insight in their lives.
The source of this glad commitment to God is found in the next two verses: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. (5, 6)
These verses require a close observation, and this we will plan to take up next time. As always, if we can be of any help to you, please feel free to contact us.