In our study of Proverbs chapter three, we will see how real health and wellness come from the Lord.
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My son, don’t forget my teaching, keep my commands in your heart; for they will add to you many days, years of life and peace.
Solomon begins to share the benefits of wisdom with his son. He had lived a long prosperous life just as God had promised him (see 1 Kings 3:13 & 14) and knew that God was the source of it all.
Do not let grace and truth leave you — bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and esteem in the sight of God and of people.
He urges his son to have two things love and faithfulness (chesed & emun). Chesed speaks of a loyal love which is not rooted in an emotion or mood. It is something that is done and speaks of serving others. That is what Jesus was talking about when He said that His disciples will be known by their love (see John 13:34 & 35). Emun means trusting and refers to a rock solid dependence on God. We are to wear these qualities like a necklace so that everyone can see. To do this, they must first be written in our hearts by the power of God. When people see these qualities in us, the Lord will be glorified and we will have a good reputation among men. We will be a bright shining light in this dark world.
Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths.
Solomon goes on to explain that this faithfulness (emun) goes even beyond our understanding. It is knowing beyond a shadow of doubt that, no matter what the circumstance, God is on our side. We may not understand why we are going through a certain thing but we can know that the path leads to good. It is our walk through these difficult places trusting in the Lord that brings Him the most glory.
Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom; but fear Adonai, and turn from evil. This will bring health to your body and give strength to your bones.
There is a big "wellness movement" these days but, as we see here, the key to a healthy life is following the Lord. God knows what is best for us and the bodies that He created. If we listen and follow, we will be healthier but He also gives us the freedom to make our own choices. Our ultimate health will be restored with the return of Jesus Christ.
Honor Adonai with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your income. Then your granaries will be filled and your vats overflow with new wine.
There is a lot of "name it and claim it" preaching as well as "sowing a seed" to gain wealth these days. Here, we see the key to being blessed and it is simply giving God your best. The firstfruits were the best of the crop and were given in thanks to God as the Provider. Solomon urges his son to honor God and then he can expect the blessing. He did not say that his son should put it on a credit card or give what he did not have. There are many so-called preachers that urge people to do that and promise that God will give them one hundred times their seed to pay off the debt. That is not of God!
My son, don’t despise Adonai’s discipline or resent his reproof; for Adonai corrects those he loves like a father who delights in his son.
Discipline is learning to follow the directions of the master. It should be expected if one is a Christian (disciple of Jesus Christ). We can rejoice in the fact that God corrects us because that is proof that we are His children. A good parent corrects their child because it is for their own good and it is the same with us as children of God. In our world today, we have this backwards as many let their children run wild and say that it is out of love for them. It is not love to allow a child to engage in activities that will bring harm to them.
Happy the person who finds wisdom, the person who acquires understanding; for her profit exceeds that of silver, gaining her is better than gold, she is more precious than pearls — nothing you want can compare with her.
Solomon tells his son that happiness and contentment are found in God. Instead of chasing after wealth such as silver and gold, it is more profitable to put the effort into drawing closer to our Lord and Savior. In this age of 401K's and IRA's, this is a good reminder that the best retirement program is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Long life is in her right hand, riches and honor in her left. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who grasp her; whoever holds fast to her will be made happy.
Understanding and following the ways of God will lead to a long healthy life both here and for eternity. That is the primary concern for men as nothing else matters to you when you are sick or dead. The added benefit of following Jesus Christ is that He will provide what you need and you do not have to worry about getting ahead. If you don't have to worry about that, there will be an inner peace as well as a peace with those around you. Most of the strife and fighting in this world is caused by people trying to get something that someone else has. This is typical of the battle that we face with our flesh. When we are content with what the Lord has provided for us, we will not chase the things of the flesh.
Adonai by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding he established the heavens, by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open and the dew condenses from the sky.
Solomon reminds his son of God's power by remembering that He created everything. Since He could do that, He is more than able to provide for our needs without our worrying about it. Worry can lead to all kinds of illnesses and so eliminating the stress can lead to a longer and healthier life.
My son, don’t let these slip from your sight; preserve common sense and discretion; they will be life for your being and grace for your neck.
Solomon urges his son to be vigilant in following the ways of God. This passage is a call for us to resist the temptations of drugs and alcohol as he says to not let wisdom out of your sight. Many of us have used alcohol and drugs which causes us to do foolish things but the best way to avoid doing things that we'll regret is to avoid them altogether. Just like jewelry around your neck our wisdom in this will be noticed by others.
Then you will walk your way securely, without hurting your foot. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Don’t be afraid of sudden terror or destruction caused by the wicked, when it comes; for you can rely on Adonai; he will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
When we make a conscious decision to hold onto the things of Jesus, He will be with us to protect us. When we are walking with Him and being led by Him, we do not have to worry about stumbling or falling into bad situations.
Don’t withhold good from someone entitled to it when you have in hand the power to do it. Don’t tell your neighbor, “Go away! Come another time; I’ll give it to you tomorrow,” when you have it now.
Our true wellness is affected by the way we treat others. Here, we are urged to show compassion to those around us. Just as we are not to put away our wisdom with drugs and alcohol, we are also not to put away our compassion for others. Many times those who are in need will come to us, as Christians, when it is not convenient for us. When they do, we are to seize the opportunity instead of asking them to come back when it is more convenient (during normal business hours). As Christians, if we withhold compassion, we probably will not sleep very good until we take care of the situation.
Don’t plan harm against your neighbor who lives beside you trustingly. Don’t quarrel with someone for no reason, if he has done you no harm.
A big part of true wellness comes from the way that we treat others. Solomon urges his son to live in peace with those around him and this will reduce the worry and stress in our lives. There are many health studies that show the bad effects of worry and stress on the human body. Eliminating these from our daily lives will not only make us happier but also healthier. We also notice that Solomon says "when they have done you no harm" and are reminded that we do not have to be doormats. When someone has done us harm, we can address the problem and then move on instead of letting resentment and bitterness into our lives.
Don’t envy a man of violence, don’t choose any of his ways; for the perverse is an abomination to Adonai, but he shares his secret counsel with the upright.
The "perverse" speaks of those who know better than to engage in the ways of the wicked but still do so. We do not pick some of the ways of the world and some of the ways of God and try to mix them. Those that follow what they have been shown by God will be shown even more. Those that do not will be allowed to go their own way but they will do so alone.
Adonai’s curse is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. The scornful he scorns, but gives grace to the humble. The wise win honor, but fools win shame.
Those that choose to go it alone are under a curse both for today and for eternity. They go through life having to fight for everything they get and, in the end, they have nothing. Those that follow the Lord do not have to worry about chasing after the things of the world as the Lord provides for our needs. In the end, we are raised to places of honor while those that reject Jesus Christ are doomed. Following Jesus has benefits for our wellness today and for all of eternity!
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