When I was in seventh grade, my science teacher was talking about biological and sociological factors that tend to contribute to a lengthier life span. In the midst of teaching on that subject, he asked the class this question, "How many of you would like to live till you're 100-years-old?" Most of the class raised their hands, but I didn't.
My teacher thought that was odd, so he asked me a follow up question. "Typically, when I ask my students a question like that, they all raise their hands. Why didn't you raise yours?"
I gave a reply that was 50% honest, and 50% an attempt to look cool and rebellious in front of my peers. I answered, "Life stinks!" When I look back at what was going on in my life during that season, and when I consider some of my major influences at that time, it doesn't surprise me that I said that. But now, if I was asked that question, I would give a very different answer. I happen to enjoy life, and I'm more convinced than ever that it is a gift from God.
We don't know how many days the Lord has ordained for us on this earth. It's different for us all. But when we examine Proverbs 3:1-12, we're given a blueprint that most certainly can contribute to a long and peaceful life. The counsel we're given in these verses is priceless.
I. Remember what you were taught
"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." (Proverbs 3:1-2)
One of the greatest privileges I have been given is the blessing of being a father to four great children. I love them. I'm proud of them, and I'm glad I get to spend large portions of my life with them. On a daily basis, they ask me questions, and they expect answers. I have never been shy about sharing my opinions and insights with them. But here's the interesting part of that. Sometimes they accept my counsel eagerly. Other times, they reject it and venture out on their own. That's the same pattern many of us follow in life, but I'm sure most of us can testify to the fact that things tend to go better when we listen to what we were taught.
As he does in multiple portions of the book of Proverbs, Solomon writes this section like a father giving advice to his son. This approach conveys the heart of a loving father toward his child. It also gives us a glimpse of the loving heart of God the Father toward His children.
These verses set the tone for what Solomon is about to elaborate on. If we want to avoid an untimely demise, and if we want to experience a peaceful life that isn't filled with needless pain and regret, we would be wise to listen to the counsel of those who love us and have walked a mile in our shoes just one short generation ago.
And above that, we would be wise to listen to the wise counsel Jesus has given us through His teaching. In fact, Christ reveals that we are being actively helped to remember His words. The Holy Spirit intentionally and powerfully reminds us of what Jesus said to us.
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:25-26)
II. Remain loving and faithful
"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:3-4)
I'm grateful that throughout the course of our days, we have the privilege of getting to know the Lord better and better. He has revealed Himself to us, and He has historically told us more about Himself so we would understand His nature and His character.
During the days of the exodus when Moses was leading the people of Israel toward the Promised Land, the Lord revealed Himself to Moses in powerful ways. During that season, the Lord made it clear to Moses that, by nature, He was merciful, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful.
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness," (Exodus 34:6)
Solomon was familiar with what the Lord had revealed about Himself back in the days of Moses, and as the Holy Spirit was inspiring him to write down these verses, Solomon encouraged us to reflect the heart of God by likewise remaining loving and faithful.
Through faith in Jesus, this is possible for us. When we trust in Christ, our heart is changed, our eyes are opened, and our desires are reformed. We begin to want the things that God wants, and value what he values. If we actively demonstrate the fact that we value love and faithfulness by lavishly bestowing them upon others, Solomon tells us we will find favor and success in the sight of God and man. The Father will delight to see us reflecting His heart, and others will grow to respect us because we're demonstrating the fact that we value, care for, and respect them.
III. Trust in the Lord
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)
On most Fridays, I take my wife out to eat, then we usually take a walk together and finish the evening with ice cream. I enjoy our conversations on Friday nights because it usually involves some reminiscing. We're in our mid-40's now, so it blows my mind when I think about the fact that we started dating when we were still teenagers. Every day I get to enjoy the fruit of the choices I made when I was young.
During my teen years, I was being peppered with advice from all angles. Some of that counsel was wise, but much of that counsel was bad. I'm grateful that I started listening to the counsel the Lord gives us in His word at a young age instead of trusting my own wisdom. It has had a huge impact on the trajectory of my life, and I think that's the point. The sooner we learn to trust the Lord's wisdom above our own ideas, the better life goes.
Solomon encourages us to be people who trust in the Lord with our entire heart instead of idolizing ourselves and our own ideas. He encourages us to acknowledge the Lord as the one who is in charge of our lives so that we won't veer off course. He challenges us, as he does throughout Proverbs, to fear the Lord and turn from evil.
All that being said, there is no more peaceful way to live your life than to go through your days trusting in the Lord, just as this passage says. When hard days come, we can trust that the Lord has a purpose for the lessons we're learning. When we're troubled about all the things we can't control, we can step back and be glad that He has everything under His control. When we're tempted to start living in the past, we can look forward to the future and take solace in the fact that Christ will return just as He promised to.
In every moment, and in all circumstances, we're called to trust the Lord.
IV. Honor the LORD with your wealth
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10)
What does it mean to honor the Lord with your wealth? Do you even feel wealthy? I read a statistic not too long ago that stated that if you earn more than $34,000 per year, you're wealthier than 99% percent of the people living on earth right now. And if you have just $4,210 to your name, you're wealthier than 50% of people living on earth.
I don't know how much money the Lord will entrust to you during the course of your life. It's likely there will be others who earn more than you and others who earn less. But the Lord has promised to meet our needs, and He sovereignly allows us to earn and receive what He has willed for us.
If we show that we won't worship money, but will use it to glorify Him, it seems likely from what we read in verses like this that the Lord may choose to entrust additional wealth to us. But if we don't honor Him with what He has already entrusted to us, I don't think He would be doing us much of a favor to give us even more. If we're going to turn money into an idol, the fatherly thing to do would be to hold back from giving us something that might actually draw us away from Him. So honor the Lord with whatever wealth He entrusts to your care.
V. Accept the LORD's discipline
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:11-12)
As Solomon concludes this portion of the chapter, he points us toward one additional way the Lord demonstrates His love. God shows us He loves us through disciplining us. He doesn't discipline us because He hates us. His discipline is evidence of His love.
For this reason, Solomon encourages us not to despise, resent, or grow tired of the Lord's willingness to discipline us. God's discipline is protective and redemptive in nature. He’s rescuing us from harm and leading us away from greater errors. He's showing us that He is sufficient and that our lives are being compassionately overseen by One who cares for our well-being, and isn't shy about intervening on our behalf in a corrective way.
As the Lord disciplines us, He's giving us opportunity to learn, confess, and repent. Our sin has already been paid for by Jesus. Through Christ we are set free from our bondage to it. The discipline of God is a helpful way to get the taste of sin out of our mouths. He's helping us to realize that the sweetness of sin and rebellion is nothing but spoiled and bitter fruit.
The blueprint for a long and peaceful life isn't complicated, but more people reject that blueprint than accept it. As we trust in Jesus, and live out the fruit of that trust, there will be measurable benefit in our lives. This chapter of Proverbs makes that abundantly clear.
Notes:
1. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082385/We-1--You-need-34k-income-global-elite--half-worlds-richest-live-U-S.html
2. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/07/how-much-money-you-need-to-be-in-the-richest-10-percent-worldwide.html
© John Stange, 2020
