Proverbs 3:13-26 – Divine wisdom will keep us secure

The blessings wisdom will bring to a person are simply too many to count. Here in verses 13-18, the author continues to enumerate them for us. To begin with, the man who finds and walks in wisdom will be truly blessed. He will have God-given insights and understanding to life.  God will be the source and well of resources through whom he will draw his insights from. The value of such understanding is indeed far more valuable than gold or silver. No gem in this material world can prove to be more priceless than wisdom. Hence, acquiring it will enable one to know the right way, to appreciate the great worth and to tread the worthy walk. The impacts wisdom brings to life are far too many to enumerate. Here are a few: long life; riches, honour, amiability and peace, which in essence is a worry-free life.

Reference is made to the tree of life in verse 18. This could perhaps be the recollection of the true life which Adam had forfeited through the fall. To find wisdom is like restoring the kind of life offered by that tree. And laying hold of that will ensure true happiness and spirituality. Triggered by the thought of the tree of life, Solomon redirected our focus to the creative genius of God. His wisdom is seen in His creative power. He wisely created the earth and heaven and established them. Implicit in verses 19-20, we see God engineering the entire operation of the universe that He alone has the capacity to design. The eco-system of the world, the climate, the forces of nature, the rotation of the earth, the swirling of the orbit, etc. are the handiworks of God. Whether it’s the rain, the dew or the snow, His hand-print is seen in them all. God made all these to provide us mankind with a conducive environment to exist. Seeing how efficiently the universe operates should remind us to keep our attention on the wise God behind the system. And as we keep our focus on Him, we will not lose sight of Him while enjoying all that His wonderful hand has wrought. The soul refers to one’s inner life and the neck the outer life. Acting and living with discretion inwardly and outwardly will enable us to express a praise-worthy life.  

Musing, clinging on and living out the wisdom of God will firstly ensure our security. We will not stumble easily. Secondly, we will have peaceful sleep free from worries, anxiety or guilt. Thirdly, we will not be seized by sudden terrors, even if they should come intentionally designed by wicked people. Why? Because the Lord will be our confidence. For when we rely on the Lord, we will not give room to the sense of powerlessness or hopelessness. This assures us of the promise of Psalms 121:7-8 that say:  

“The Lord will protect us from all evil;
He will keep our soul.
The Lord will guard our going out and our coming in
From this time forth and forever.”   

Amen!