“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” -- C. S. Lewis
We’re beginning chapter three today and looking at the first of 12 verses of a rhythm of instruction and incentive. This is God in the tone of a father instructing his children on what will foster a good life.
Raymond C Ortlund Jr., says, “The wisdom of chapter 2 offered to deliver us from evil. It offered protection. But this glowing chapter 3 is so positive. It is an education of life at its best--how to live well in every area, at home, at work, all around. ...he is coaching us in how we can be fully alive, for his glory.”
Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-2.
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you. (ESV)
Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well. (MSG)
David Guzik, a Bible commentator says about verse 1:
“Deciding to not forget God’s word is more than a mental exercise of memory. It is also connected to a life of obedience, one that does keep the commands of God. If one mentally remembers God’s Word yet fails to obey it, we could rightly say he or she has forgotten God’s commands. We note also that this obedience is one of the heart. Our goal in obedience is not mere outward conformity to God’s will, but a heart that loves and obeys Him. ‘The heart is the first thing that wanders away from God, and it is also the first thing that returns to God.’”
Other verses mentioned in the episode:
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (Ephesians 2:14)
If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails
Free journal pages to follow the study: www.getwisdom.link/email
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