Scripture reading – Proverbs 3; Proverbs 4
Our chronological study of the Scriptures continues today in the book of Proverbs. Understanding it is impossible to mine the spiritual richness of this great study in godly wisdom in a few brief devotionals, I invite you to avail yourself of my year-long study in Proverbs that can be found at www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Today’s Scripture reading is Proverbs 3 and Proverbs 4. As with all the chapters in Proverbs, the number of verses, and couplets of wisdom are daunting if addressed in a brief devotional. I must of necessity choose to focus on one or two proverbs from each chapter. This is the first of two devotional studies today.
Proverbs 3 – “Who (or what) do you trust?” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Permit me to begin today’s second devotional by posing a question: “Who (or what) do you trust?” Some trust in their intellect. Others put their faith in the counsel of friends; however, I have found there are few whose counsel is spiritually wise, and can be trusted.
Some counsel others, “Follow your heart,” or “Trust your heart.” The Scriptures, however, warn: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
I am afraid there are many believers that make life decisions without prayer, or seeking godly wisdom. Some make lifechanging, unalterable decisions that shadow the rest of their lives, and never take time to pray, seek wisdom, and wait on the Lord.
Knowing his son would one day be king, and hold in his hands the power of life and death, Solomon counseled his son:
Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust [lean on; hope; be confident and secure] in [near; beside] the LORD [Jehovah, Eternal, Self-existent God] with all thine heart [mind, emotions, will]; and lean not [do not trust] unto thine own understanding [wisdom; knowledge].”
What does it mean to, “Trust in the LORD?” It means to be so close, and dependent on the LORD that His Spirit guides every thought and action. Permit me to offer you some counsel of mine own. Before you make a major decision in matters that require wisdom and discernment, consider the following four steps:
- Cultivate a wealth of wisdom by reading and obeying God’s Word.
- Bathe every decision in prayer, and in the light of truth.
- Seek counsel from those whose lives are a testimony of godly wisdom and discernment. (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6)
- Trust the Lord: Wait on Him, and weigh every thought and action in the light of His Word.
Solomon continued:
Proverbs 3:6 – “In all thy ways [journey; path] acknowledge [observe; know; recognize] Him [the LORD], and He shall direct [make smooth and straight; prosper; make pleasant] thy paths.”
Never make a vow, sign a contract, or make a commitment that you have not committed to prayer, and patience (Psalm 27:14). Solomon challenged his son to acknowledge the Lord “in all thy ways.” In other words, nothing was too small for him to take to the Lord.
Closing thoughts – Are you facing a major life decision? Have you cultivated a wealth of wisdom by studying and meditating in God’s Word? (Psalm 1:1-2) Have you prayed and sought godly counsel? Will you be patient, and wait on the Lord, and allow Him to guide in your choices, and make the way smooth and straight?
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on [hope; patiently wait; look for] the LORD: be of good courage [strong; courageous], and he shall strengthen [make you steadfast and stronger; bold] thine heart [thoughts; seat of your affections]: wait [patiently wait for and hope], I say, on the LORD.”
Copyright © 2021 – Travis D. Smith
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