Proverbs 3:1
The significant aspect of this bit of wisdom is the depth of the keeping of the commandment. It must be kept by the heart - not just the outer man - to enjoy the benefits of length of days and years of life and peace. Some people seek to put a syrup-sweet coating over an unchanged heart but the power of the command is not activated. These commands deal with changing the heart or, as we would say, the attitude. The power of the internal attitude of the person is far greater than an external conformity to a rule.
The commandments that are being enjoined to be imbedded into your heart seem simple or trite, but they are incredibly profound.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Do not lean on our own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him.
Do not be wise in your own eyes.
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Honor the Lord from your wealth.
Do not reject the discipline of the Lord.
Many times in the reading of the book of Proverbs we miss the commandments in the midst of all the encouragement to embrace them. They are simple and profound and will change your life if you will bring them close and make them the way of your heart.
It is these commandments that I want you to embrace for they will ensure a successful, righteous life for you. God is so great to encapsulate the righteous life in these statements. Solomon was remembering them from the teaching his father David gave to him. He decided to share them with the world. I want you to see the radical relevancy. We are too often trying to hear something new instead of spending time on the material from God that has proven itself true over the ages.
Remember that the words recorded in Proverbs were written down 3,000 years ago. Think about Solomon in a king's chamber writing down life lessons not realizing that there would be people studying them 3,000 years later! They have force because they were breathed on by God. Don't miss these ancient lessons in how to have a better life.
Until tomorrow,
Gil Stieglitz