Proverbs 3:1-12 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

Bible Comments

the Results of Trusting Jehovah

Proverbs 3:1-12

How replete with helpful instruction on the policy of life is this paragraph! The young of both sexes are invited to be merciful in their judgments or dealings, and faithful in the discharge of their responsibilities or duties. These are two prime qualifications for a right attitude toward God and man.

The perplexed are bidden to distrust their own understanding and to trust in God for guidance. If you do not see your way, wait till God reveals it. Notice the repeated word all - all thine heart, all thy ways. A thread reaching from our person to the ground may impair our perfect insularity. The business man is urged to honor God, as Abraham did, when returning laden with booty from his conflict with the freebooting kings, Genesis 14:23. The suffering are urged to look beyond their pain and sorrow to the hand that chastens, Proverbs 3:11-12. These precious words are endorsed by later Scriptures. See Hebrews 12:5-6 and Revelation 3:19. We can never forget the tender assurance of Job 5:18-19. There is no chance in life; accept all as by God's appointment or permission.

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and longa life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4 So shalt thou find favour and goodb understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be healthc to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.