Text: Proverbs 3:13-26
A wrong understanding of Scripture will lead us down the wrong path. There are many who believe in a wrong gospel (eg: a health-and-wealth gospel). The true gospel teaches self-denial and the taking up of one’s cross to follow Christ. In the light of this, let us correctly understand Proverbs 3:13-26 which explains the fruits of wisdom:
Happiness (Prov 3:13): If God is the source, happiness is as valuable as blessedness. Can we measure our happiness by our wealth? With God we have everything (Luke 12:15). Riches cannot save us, but by grace are we saved, and by grace we can have true happiness.
Health and Wealth (Prov 3:16): Are you seeking health and wealth? Matthew 6:33 says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” God has promised to provide all our needs. It is better to live a short life with happiness than to live a long life with misery. Abraham lived a godly and full life, for 175 years (Gen 25:7-8), but Adam and Eve lived long lives with misery because they threw away their happiness by their first Sin. The River of Life is in heaven, not on earth (Rev 22:1-2). The way of wisdom is “pleasantness, and… peace” (Prov 3:17).
Greater Wisdom (Prov 3:18): Wisdom gives us greater understanding. Eg: It helps us understand how the world was created (not evolved). Paul, by experiential wisdom, gave good advice to the ship’s owner in Acts 27:9-10.
God’s Protection (Prov 3:22-25): God protects us and gives us peace when we obey Him. He promised to help us every step of our way. We need not fear for God is in control. As Israel was surrounded by the Syrian army, Elisha told his servant: “Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs 6:16). God protected Israel with His “horses and chariots of fire…” (2 Kgs 6:17). God will protect us if we trust Him.
Confidence (Prov 3:26): When we trust God, He gives us confidence. We can be confident in Him even if our enemies take our life because they have no power over our soul. Satan may gather all his forces against us by luring us into the system of this world, but we must never submit to the pressure of the system of this world. Trust and obey God, and victory will be ours.
Seek for God’s wisdom (not the world’s), and we will be safe in His hand.
Happiness (Prov 3:13): If God is the source, happiness is as valuable as blessedness. Can we measure our happiness by our wealth? With God we have everything (Luke 12:15). Riches cannot save us, but by grace are we saved, and by grace we can have true happiness.
Health and Wealth (Prov 3:16): Are you seeking health and wealth? Matthew 6:33 says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” God has promised to provide all our needs. It is better to live a short life with happiness than to live a long life with misery. Abraham lived a godly and full life, for 175 years (Gen 25:7-8), but Adam and Eve lived long lives with misery because they threw away their happiness by their first Sin. The River of Life is in heaven, not on earth (Rev 22:1-2). The way of wisdom is “pleasantness, and… peace” (Prov 3:17).
Greater Wisdom (Prov 3:18): Wisdom gives us greater understanding. Eg: It helps us understand how the world was created (not evolved). Paul, by experiential wisdom, gave good advice to the ship’s owner in Acts 27:9-10.
God’s Protection (Prov 3:22-25): God protects us and gives us peace when we obey Him. He promised to help us every step of our way. We need not fear for God is in control. As Israel was surrounded by the Syrian army, Elisha told his servant: “Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs 6:16). God protected Israel with His “horses and chariots of fire…” (2 Kgs 6:17). God will protect us if we trust Him.
Confidence (Prov 3:26): When we trust God, He gives us confidence. We can be confident in Him even if our enemies take our life because they have no power over our soul. Satan may gather all his forces against us by luring us into the system of this world, but we must never submit to the pressure of the system of this world. Trust and obey God, and victory will be ours.
Seek for God’s wisdom (not the world’s), and we will be safe in His hand.
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