Day 3 – Read Proverbs 3
Get to Know Wisdom Personally
We’ve all asked the question, “What’s God’s will for my life?” Proverbs 3 gives us a reliable guide for seeking the only wisdom that counts: God’s wisdom. As we look at the chapter, we see three sections laid out.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5 NLT
The first section (verses 1-12) is very conversational. We get to listen in as a father talks with his son. God is clear about the guaranteed benefits of taking our hands off life’s steering wheel. When we ask God to be the Driving Instructor for our lives, we’ll find ourselves on wisdom’s highway.
The Personification of Wisdom
God knows we make connections with people better than we do with ideas, so in the second section (verses 13-20), He personifies wisdom for us. Picture the wisest and most responsible person you know. They’re still not wisdom personified. God is describing attributes of Himself (true wisdom) in a way we can grasp. It’s gracious of Him to help us better understand His divine nature and unchanging qualities.
God Wants to Teach Us and Grow Us in Wisdom
In the last part (verses 21-38), we take what we’ve learned and apply it all to human relationships. God is teaching us about wisdom, giving us a more in-depth understanding, and showing us how to use it all. As a parent, I know how important it is for my teens to understand the difference between basic knowledge and real application.
God’s amazing that way, isn’t He? We don’t have to guess what happens if we ignore what He’s teaching us. He lays it all out clearly. A life lived outside of His wisdom is a life of trouble and sin. He is the Wise Teacher who cares enough to make sure His disciples understand what He teaches.
Daily Doses of Wisdom’s Treasures
It’s all about trust. Verse 6 says, “…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (NLT). If you’ve ever wondered what God’s will is, He’s inviting you to sit at His feet, listen, and learn.
Dig Deeper
1. Proverbs 3 shows us several evaluation steps. We see the positive and negative consequences of our choices. Who can you ask to help you examine your life and point you toward Jesus?
2. Read James 1:1-18 for more profound insight. How could applying God’s wisdom help you make decisions this week?
