Proverbs - Chapters 3 & 4

Sorry for my delay in posting. I was out of town visiting family so I am going to put 2 days in this to catch back up.

Chapter 3. Let me start by saying that none of my Proverbs discussions will get as deep or emotional as Chapter 2. Friday I was led to share a very intense time in my life. So, now on to Chapter 3.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

This Chapter still focuses on wisdom and having knowledge of God's word, but it spends more time discussing the importance of remembering His word. It is important to take in the word and etch it into your heart. God's word can create such comfort and can provide you with direction and guidance in every situation. Just reading it is not enough you must know it and live it.

He also discusses the discipline of God.

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

It is so difficult for us to think of this side of the Lord. We all want to focus on his loving nature and his plan for us. But take a look at what it says. It is out of love for us that he disciplines. We are his children, and just as our children need and crave discipline so do we. Think of what an uncaring father he would be if we could run amok with no discipline. When I see children who are allowed to do what they want whenever they want I have to admit that I think to myself "Do their parents care about them at all??!!" Our God is a loving God and that is why he disciplines. Do not live your life in the teenage stage where you despise him for trying to lead you down the right path. Develop an adult relationship with God where you respect his guidance and when needed his discipline.

Chapter 4:

I read this chapter as another reiteration that you must take God's instruction and engrave it on your heart and in your mind.

Proverbs 4:4 "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live."
Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are the life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

I think if I were the praying sort (and if you hadn't guessed -I am) I would start praying that God open me to his Word and his Wisdom, and that he show me how to keep this in my heart for guidance and love. That is what jumped out at me in Chapter 3 and 4. I pray for so many things, but I have never prayed for God to show me how to retain his Word in my heart. When you read how important it is to have it with you at all times as a shield and a guide and food for your soul and your health how can you not pray that God etch it there permanently.

Also, if you are a Christian it is mega cool to be able to spout some verses. I know I am in awe of those who can offhandedly say things like, "In Proverbs 3:5 it states we should Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding." I am always thinking, seriously how do they know this stuff! They are an awesome Christian. Don't you want someone thinking you are an awesome Christian? I know I do!