Are You Trusting in the Lord? – Proverbs chapter 3 verses 1 to 8
Some seek a prosperity gospel in verses 1 and 2
My son, do not forget my teaching,
Proverbs 3:1-2
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
How do we reconcile this with the Apostle Paul’s words, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”? Did he have a prosperous life? Or what of Job’s sufferings? And especially our Lord Jesus, our great example: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
A gospel of prosperity is cold-hearted materialism in religious clothes.
To make sense of this we must always remember that the Book of Proverbs gives us general truths, not absolute truths, principles not promises. Proverbs is a compass, not Google Maps, with precise turn by turn directions.
Peace that the Lord gives
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them round your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name
in the sight of God and man.Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Proverbs 3:3-5
and lean not on your own understanding;
A wise father understands his children, that they are sinner, and puts before them the need to keep the Lord’s commandments in their hearts. This is crucial. Laws can change behaviour, but they cannot change the heart. Can’t make you love. God wants our hearts. Does God have your heart? He is not a tyrant to force you nor a Genie to grant your every wish, but a Father.
The “Prosperity Gospel” puts man at the centre, not God. Focuses on the benefits, not Him Who is Himself the greatest Benefit.
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you… written on your heart.” Don’t be a fraud, a hypocrite.
Trust that the Lord demands
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Proverbs 3:6-8
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
“With all your heart”, no room left for self-sufficiency. The Psalms are full of Who He is: fortress, deliverer, near us,….. He alone is worth our complete trust.
- Who do we turn to in trouble? Worldly wisdom says man can solve it. Godly wisdom alone gives ultimate comfort.
- When was the last time you made an important decision in order to serve Christ?
- Do you believe God is building His church today?
- Such trust doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be whole-hearted. We don’t have to know everything about everything!
He is so much greater than Creator and King: He is our Father. Run to him. “He will make your paths straight.” He might not change the circumstance but He will change you. “Fear the Lord AND shun evil”. Frank Sinatra’s song “I did it my way” is the very opposite of godly wisdom.
He is wanting YOU, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Matt. 11:28
