‏ Proverbs 3

* Exhortations to obedience and faith. (1-6) To piety, and to

improve afflictions. (7-12) To gain wisdom. (13-20) Guidance of

Wisdom. (21-26) The wicked and the upright. (27-35)

1-6 In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments

health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days

may not be long upon earth, we shall live for ever in heaven.

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; God's mercy in promising,

and his truth in performing: live up to them, keep up thine

interest in them, and take the comfort of them. We must trust in

the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to

do what is best. Those who know themselves, find their own

understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will

fail. Do not design any thing but what is lawful, and beg God to

direct thee in every case, though it may seem quite plain. In

all our ways that prove pleasant, in which we gain our point, we

must acknowledge God with thankfulness. In all our ways that

prove uncomfortable, and that are hedged up with thorns, we must

acknowledge him with submission. It is promised, He shall direct

thy paths; so that thy way shall be safe and good, and happy at

last. 7-12 There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in

the heart, than self-conceit of our own wisdom. The prudence and

sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of

the soul, but to the health of the body. Worldly wealth is but

poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it;

and those that do good with what they have, shall have more to

do more good with. Should the Lord visit us with trials and

sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks to us as

to children, for our good. We must not faint under an

affliction, be it ever so heavy and long, not be driven to

despair, or use wrong means for relief. The father corrects the

son whom he loves, because he loves him, and desires that he may

be wise and good. Afflictions are so far from doing God's

children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their

holiness. 13-20 No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be

compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or

eternity be considered. We must make wisdom our business; we

must venture all in it, and be willing to part with all for it.

This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and his salvation, sought

and obtained by faith and prayer. Were it not for unbelief,

remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we should find all our

ways pleasantness, and our paths peace, for his are so; but we

too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief.

Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the worlds were made, and still

are in being; happy are those to whom he is made of God wisdom.

He has wherewithal to make good all his promises. 21-26 Let us not suffer Christ's words to depart from us, but

keep sound wisdom and discretion; then shall we walk safely in

his ways. The natural life, and all that belongs to it, shall be

under the protection of God's providence; the spiritual life,

and all its interests, under the protection of his grace, so

that we shall be kept from falling into sin or trouble. 27-35 Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to

copy his example; to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of

covetousness; to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless

strife, and bearing evils, if possible, rather than seeking

redress by law. It will be found there is little got by

striving. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from

the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These

truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but

everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while

Divine favour is shown to the humble believer.