The Proverbs show us the way to joyful, abundant, Christ-honoring living, a life full of God’s blessings. Do you want to experience this kind of life?
Now first things first: realize that the Proverbs are not so much guaranteed promises from God but rather are general principles from God that guide the way we live as followers of Jesus Christ. Notice how Proverbs chapter three begins:
Proverbs 3:1-4
1 My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; 2 for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being. 3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.
Three principles in this passage emerge to guide us.
First, remember what your godly teachers have taught you (vv1-2). Solomon encouraged his son to not forget his teaching. We should thank God for the godly teachers in our lives: our parents, connect group leaders, pastors and other leaders. The thing these teachers all have in common is that they have taught you the Word of God.
The way we put this into practice in our lives includes reading the Bible daily, keeping a journal of what God says to us through his Word, and immersing ourselves in biblical teaching.
Second, keep God’s commands in your heart (vv1-3). It is not enough just to learn what the Bible says (even if that is incredibly fascinating to learn). Instead, we must transfer God’s Word to our mind, will and emotions. On its own, our heart is deceitful and wicked, easily influenced by: the world, ungodly people, our own fleshly thoughts and the devil. The Bible says, “The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). One of Satan’s biggest lies to our generation is “follow your heart.” This is terrible advice.
Therefore, we must make sure God’s Word gets off the pages of the Bible and into our hearts. Let God’s Word go deep into your soul so that you internalize it and how it applies to your life. Keep God’s commands in your heart — they are for his glory and for your good.
Third, practice loyalty and faithfulness at all times (vv3-4). When you are faithful and loyal to your family, they know they can trust you and family life is a blessing. When you are faithful and loyal on your job, your boss is happy and you may earn a promotion. When you are faithful and loyal to God, he notices and he showers you with his blessings. Loyalty and faithfulness will earn you favor with God and with people.
This is the long life, the life of well-being, the life of blessing that will follow those who put these principles into practice in their lives.