Other than John 3:16 and perhaps Jeremiah 29:11, I think Proverbs 3:5-6 might be some of the most favorited verses in Scripture. There’s rich promise found within these two verses.
There’s also three compelling commands.
Welcome to day 3 of our journey through the book of Proverbs. Today, as we take a look at Proverbs 3, I want to remind you that we are in pursuit of wisdom. That is what the book of Proverbs is all about: the worthy and rewarding pursuit of wisdom. So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what Proverbs 3:5-6 really has to say to us.
I mentioned that there is rich promise given in this passage, but there are three commands which proceed that promise. The promise given is conditional upon our obedience to the commands. It might do us well to give notice to these instructions. If we do, wisdom will be our reward.
#1—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart.”
I just spent a few weeks up at a Christian camp with about 500 4th-6th graders, and I spent some time teaching them about trusting God. I explained it through the idea of the trust fall. Ever heard of it? You close your eyes, stretch your arms out to the sides, and fall backwards, trusting that the person behind you will catch you before you hit the ground. It seems like a bit of a wild card, right? You have a 50/50 chance on being caught. As I shared this idea with the kids, it made me wonder: “Is this how we view trusting in God? Like, we have about a 50/50 chance, and it’s sort of a wild card?” Because if that’s how you see it, you’ll never find yourself trusting Him “with all your heart.” You’ll only trust Him with some things, easy things. But that’s not what God commands us to do.
#2—“…and do not lean on your own understanding.”
What we can see is typically what we can understand. The problem is, we cannot see God, and we often can’t see what He’s up to. When our spiritual vision “fails us,” we naturally take to our physical sight…which is limited and will always only offer part of the bigger picture. Still, it’s what we can see, so we lean on that. We understand that. We make decisions based off of that. And because our vision is so limited, we often miss the grand adventure of trusting God even when we can’t see where He is leading.
#3—In all your ways acknowledge Him,”
Not in some of your ways. Not in most of your ways. It says “in all of your ways.” But, really? Even the little, seemingly unimportant things? YES. Even in the things I can handle by myself? YES. Even in the things that I have to control? YES. Even in the things I can’t control? YES.
In ALL things and in ALL ways, acknowledge Him. Default to His wisdom. Default to His leading. Default to His voice.
Because when we are found obedient in the above three, we’ll find our feet on straight paths. Not necessarily easy paths, but straight ones, ones that lead directly to the heart of Jesus.
Wisdom, my friends.
“She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 3:15 ESV
I need to remember to default back to Him in all things! Love that word for this.
Yes! I love how you bring out the commands of this favorite verse. We need to know His promises but oh do we need to know the way to obey and receive them well! Thank you for highlighting these!
Going back to this passage is always a good reminder to me. Trusting the Lord is something I have to go back to again and again. Thank you!