Words from the Father

God is speaking through Solomon like a father to his son.

But, God is also speaking through Solomon to you and me. So tonight, let’s listen to our Father as we gain some wisdom for us to live by.

Proverbs 3:1–12 ESV

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

1. Remember the Teaching (vv. 1-2)

Don’t forget the teaching

Keep the commandments

The Promise: length of days/ years of life and peace

2. Be Faithfully Committed (vv. 3-4)

Steadfast love is faithfulness

Keep them as precious jewels around your neck.

What you write on your heart is important. Tablets were not like paper where you wrote down just anything. Most of the things that were not so important would be written on pottery.

The Promise: You will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man

3. Trust in the Lord (vv. 5-6)

We can’t trust by sight.

It’s like navigating a ship at night in think fog. We have to trust the instruments.

Well, we as Christians have unfailing instruments. We have the God who is omniscient

The Promise: God will make your paths straight

4. Be Humble (vv.7-8)

Being wise in our own eyes leads to pride. This is what Satan promised Adam and Eve in the Garden.

Fear God - have reverence and listen to Him

Turn away from evil

The Promise: It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones

It feels good to do the right thing!

5. Be Faithful (vv. 9-10)

Give the firstfruits. The best belongs to God.

We are to use our wealth to honor God.

The Promise: your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats bursting with wine

God will provide for you.

6. Be Teachable (vv.11-12)

Accept God’s discipline

God disciplines the one He loves and treats as a son.

The Promise: God will not leave you to yourself, but will help you and correct you

This is a sign of love.