“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.”
The preserving power of wisdom is brought out here, guarding us from moral perils of sin and the corruption which follows. It has been said that wisdom is not only on the negative side of things, that is, forbidding us to participate in certain things, but it is equally given for the positive side, showing us what is right in the sight of the Lord. This should be pleasant to those who are born again, and who are seeking to honor the Lord in their lives.
“To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things.” v. 12. It is a sad thing that our young people in growing up to the age of responsibility, have to learn that they cannot continue in the simplicity of youth. They learn that they must be prepared to meet and to have to do with those who have deceitful words and ways. The book of Proverbs has counsel for those who would learn wisdom in the fear of the Lord. It is dangerous to hear “froward” things, and it is defiling to repeat or speak of them. These are “the ways of darkness” (v. 13), and the descent is both rapid and sad to those who are drawn into them. The Word of the Lord is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psa. 119:105105NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)).
The instructions given in the Proverbs can only be followed by those who have yielded their hearts to Him who came here in lowliness and meekness, journeying to the cross and there accomplishing our redemption. We now await His call to take us out of this scene and to receive us unto Himself, before the judgment falls upon this earth.
Chapter 3 begins with a request that should search the hearts of those that really fear the Lord. “My son, forget not my law (or teaching).” The Scriptures do not seek simply to stir up emotions which are but passing in their effect, but they would arouse our hearts to desire this God-given wisdom. So we have: “but let thine heart keep my commandments:... Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” The obedient Israelite was to cherish what was given to him in the Scriptures. It has been said, What ornament can compare to them? What inward lesson so cheering and invigorating!
Then we are told that “length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” There is such a thing as the government of God in the world. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7).
ML 08/06/1961