Sabbath, Sleep, and why it matters

“The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” — Proverbs 3:19-26

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Wisdom and Creation (3:19–20)

The essence of this section is given in v. 22: wisdom will preserve your life. For this reason, the righteous can be free of the anxiety that plagues the wicked (vv. 23–25). Verse 23 is a general promise; it is not an absolute guarantee that the wise will never have occasion to stumble. Compared to the unwise, however, they will experience tranquility.

The climax of the text is the promise that God will be beside the follower of wisdom (v. 26). Proverbs never implies that people can be safe through their own wisdom. “Common sense” and personal competence are soon exhausted if God’s protection is missing.

Exalting Jesus in Proverbs I’d Rather Have Wisdom than Silver or Gold (Proverbs 3:13–35)

Wisdom will give you a good night’s sleep without worry (v. 24). You will sleep well because you haven’t done the foolish things that cause you to stay awake worrying. You won’t be afraid that you’ll get caught or be found out. You won’t have to lie awake thinking to yourself, What if she reads that e-mail? What if he runs into that person? Who else knows about this? How can I make sure this never gets out? Walking in wisdom and avoiding the foolishness of sin will keep your conscience clear and your mind free from worry. And if you get wisdom, you will ultimately be safe because Yahweh is the one who watches over you all day long (v. 26). God Almighty will be looking out for you! The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and he will keep those who fear him safe.