Listen, Correct, and Hang in There - Proverbs 3

OK, I realize the Proverbs were written long before today’s church age, and yet they are so full of seemingly timeless wisdom, and speak so clearly to issues we face today. It would be too time-consuming to comment on each verse of each Proverb, so as I am reading through these one-per-day in January, allow me to share snippits of what I find to be so refreshingly relevant. I was in Proverbs 3 this morning. Here are some verses that fit nicely together.

“My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments; (v.1)

For whom the LORD loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. (v. 12)

Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.” (vv. 25-26)

When we do not follow God and His teaching, we have forgotten it. If we do not learn it well enough, and practice our obedience to Him, we will indeed forget it. Following God and His plan, His ways, takes purposeful and repeated effort.

When God’s Word (assuming we read it regularly) reproves us (scolds, expresses disapproval of), this is God’s love for us showing through. The believer should have a continual feeling of being corrected by God, His love for us does not end, and, as in 2 Peter 3:18, we should be growing constantly until that day of complete sanctification. Likewise, our children should know we love them by the way we try to correct them. That’s a whole separate topic for another time.

Lastly, note the text regarding the onslaught of the wicked…when it comes. Not IF it comes, but WHEN. The onslaught of the wicked is very easily seen around us each and every day. Christianity is under full attack, at its very foundation, the authority of God’s Word. God tells us He will be our confidence, but that implies what came before in this chapter…not forgetting His teaching, and responding to His correction.

Praying that we continue to lean on Him, His wisdom and understanding, and keep our feet from being caught as we strive for righteousness in the midst of wickedness. If we take His side, He’s got our back!