Today's Reading: Proverbs 3:1-12

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

Over 30 years ago, I joined two friends on a quest for wisdom. We drove for 12 hours to attend a conference where the speaker was Elisabeth Elliot. As she opened God's Word, I observed her strength was a result of her resolute obedience to God's Truth.

In Proverbs 3, a father advises his son to pursue God's wisdom with passion and purpose. As we read his counsel, we recognize the strength of a successful life begins as we submit our thoughts, words and actions to God's command.

The father provides signposts to help guide us on our quest for wisdom:

Write God's Word on your heart. (Proverbs 3:1-4)

The father begins by addressing the importance of examining one's inner life. He advises the son to not "forget" his teaching and to "keep" his commandments by "binding" steadfast love and faithfulness around his neck and writing words of covenantal commitment on the tablet of his heart. In the Old Testament, Israelites wore phylacteries with the words from the Torah tied to their arms and forehead, (Deuteronomy 6:8) but the father is encouraging his son to permanently impress God's Word internally. (Jeremiah 31:33) The Apostle Paul explains how under the new covenant in Christ, this heart-engraving is a divine work of the Spirit to transform our lives into a living letter pointing to Christ. (Romans 2:15)

I ncline your mind in dependence on God's Word as your guide. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

A wise son realizes he must trust the father and not lean on his own limited understanding. The Hebrew word translated "trust" here is a picture of a servant lying helpless and facedown, waiting for direction from his master. To "lean" implies to "rest upon," to "rely on," to "cling to," and "to be totally supported by." The action of "trust" in Hebrew describes placing one's reliance and confidence in another for security and safety. We must shed self-reliance, seek divine direction, and place our total confidence in Yahweh to show us the way.

Submit your will to God's Word. (Proverbs 3:7-8)

To seek God's wisdom, we must surrender our pride. (Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 26:12) The father encourages the son to keep his eyes on the Lord, to recognize His awesome perfection, and to humbly honor Him by "turning" from evil. Proverbs 15:33 explains, "The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Wisdom never demands its own way and is fully yielded to pursuing God's will. (Proverbs 28:26)

Embrace generosity to express gratitude to God. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

The father encourages the son to present a sacrificial offering to the God whose storehouse is always overflowing. In the Old Testament, Israelites placed the first fruits of their harvest on the altar to acknowledge that God governed the harvest and would grant them provision. (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 2:14-16; Deuteronomy 26:1-4) We do our best when we give to God with thankful hearts because He takes care of His children.

Let's purpose to heed God's Word and hold nothing back. The quest for wisdom is a life-long journey, but God promises to bless His obedient children who continue to seek Him faithfully. (Proverbs 3:13; Proverbs 8:34) Heeding the Father's instruction even when it's difficult keeps us on the path to life and peace. (Proverbs 3:2; Proverbs 4:13; Proverbs 10:17) As we listen for God's voice and attend to His will, wisdom will strengthen our lives and keep us on the straight path. (Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 8:14)

Prayer: Lord, write Your Word on my heart and help me to grow in wisdom. I want to acknowledge You with every thought, word and action. May Your Truth guide every step I take today. May every moment of my day please You and bring You glory. In Jesus' name, amen.