Proverbs 3

In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days may not be long upon earth, we shall live for ever in heaven. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; God's mercy in promising, and his truth in performing: live up to them, keep up thine interest in them, and take the comfort of them. We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Those who know themselves, find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail. Do not design any thing but what is lawful, and beg God to direct thee in every case, though it may seem quite plain. In all our ways that prove pleasant, in which we gain our point, we must acknowledge God with thankfulness. In all our ways that prove uncomfortable, and that are hedged up with thorns, we must acknowledge him with submission. It is promised, He shall direct thy paths; so that thy way shall be safe and good, and happy at last.

There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart, than self-conceit of our own wisdom. The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of the soul, but to the health of the body. Worldly wealth is but poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it; and those that do good with what they have, shall have more to do more good with. Should the Lord visit us with trials and sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks to us as to children, for our good. We must not faint under an affliction, be it ever so heavy and long, not be driven to despair, or use wrong means for relief. The father corrects the son whom he loves, because he loves him, and desires that he may be wise and good. Afflictions are so far from doing God's children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their holiness.

No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity be considered. We must make wisdom our business; we must venture all in it, and be willing to part with all for it. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and his salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer. Were it not for unbelief, remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we should find all our ways pleasantness, and our paths peace, for his are so; but we too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief. Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the worlds were made, and still are in being; happy are those to whom he is made of God wisdom. He has wherewithal to make good all his promises.

Let us not suffer Christ's words to depart from us, but keep sound wisdom and discretion; then shall we walk safely in his ways. The natural life, and all that belongs to it, shall be under the protection of God's providence; the spiritual life, and all its interests, under the protection of his grace, so that we shall be kept from falling into sin or trouble.

Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to copy his example; to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness; to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife, and bearing evils, if possible, rather than seeking redress by law. It will be found there is little got by striving. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while Divine favour is shown to the humble believer.

law [and] commandments--all divine instructions (see on Ps 119:1 and Ps 119:4). let thine heart keep--or sincerely observe (Pr 4:13; 5:2).

and trusted, and filial submission, under chastisement, exhibited. The excellence of wisdom urged and illustrated by its place in the divine counsels. Piety enforced by a contrast of the destiny of the righteous and the wicked.

length ... life--often promised as blessings (Ps 21:4; 91:16). peace--includes prosperity (Ps 125:5). add--abound to thee.

mercy and truth--God's faithfulness to His promises is often expressed by these terms (Ps 25:10; 57:3). As attributes of men, they express integrity in a wide sense (Pr 16:6; 20:28). bind ... write ... heart--outwardly adorn and inwardly govern motives.

favour--grace, amiability (Pr 22:11; Ps 45:2); united with this, a good understanding--(Compare Margin), a discrimination, which secures success. in the sight ... man--such as God and man approve.

Trust ... heart--This is the center and marrow of true wisdom (Pr 22:19; 28:25). The positive duty has its corresponding negation in the admonition against self-confidence.

ways--(Ps 1:1). acknowledge--by seeking His wise aid (Pr 16:3; Ps 37:5; Jer 9:23, 24). direct--literally, "make plain" (compare Heb 12:13).

(Compare Pr 27:2; Ro 12:16). fear ... evil--reverentially regarding His law.

It--This conduct. health--(Compare Margin). to thy navel--for all the organs of nourishment. marrow--(Compare Margin). bones--frame of body. True piety promotes bodily health.

(Compare Pr 11:25; Ex 23:19; De 18:4; Isa 32:8; 2Co 9:13).

presses--or wine fats (Joe 2:24; 3:13).

The true intent of afflictions considered; they do not contradict the assertion of the blessed state of the pious (Job 5:17; Heb 12:5, 6).

he delighteth--or receiveth as denoting reconciliation regarding the offense which produced chastisement.

findeth--literally, "reaches," or "obtains by seeking." getteth--literally, "draws out," as metals by digging.

The figure of Pr 3:13 carried out. it--that is, wisdom. merchandise of silver--acquisition by trading. fine gold--dug gold, solid as a nugget.

rubies--gems, or pearls.

Wisdom personified as bringing the best blessings (compare Mt 6:33; 1Ti 4:8).

Her ways--such as she directs us to take.

Wisdom allegorized as a tree of life--(Ge 2:9; 3:22) whose fruit preserves life, gives all that makes living a blessing.

The place of wisdom in the economy of creation and providence commends it to men, who, in proportion to their finite powers, may possess this invaluable attribute, and are thus encouraged by the divine example of its use to seek its possession.

sound wisdom--(compare Pr 2:7). let ... eyes--that is, these words of instruction. 22-24. assign reasons in their value for happiness and ornament, guidance and support in dangers, both when waking and sleeping.

Be not--or, "You shall not be." sudden fear--what causes it (Pr 1:27), any unlooked-for evil (Ps 46:3; 91:12; 1Pe 3:14). desolation--(Pr 1:27).

The reason; such as are objects of God's favor. be thy confidence--literally, "in thy confidence," in the source of thy strength (compare Na 3:9, for the same construction, Hebrew).

Promptly fulfil all obligations both of justice and charity (compare Jas 2:15, 16).

Do not abuse confidence and avoid litigation.

oppressor--or man of mischief. The destiny of successful evildoers warns against desiring their lot (Ps 37:1, 2, 35, 36). 32-35. Reasons for the warning. froward--(Pr 2:15). secret ... righteous--in their communion (Am 3:7).

curse ... wicked--It abides with them, and will be manifested.

The retribution of sinners, as in Ps 18:26.

inherit--as a portion. shame--or disgrace, as opposed to honor. promotion--(Compare Margin); as honor for well-doing makes men conspicuous, so fools are signalized by disgrace.