Beginning Guidelines

Proverbs 3:13-35

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.  For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.  She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.  Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18)

Wisdom, or good sense produces more than any amount of money can buy, and the person who has it has reason to rejoice.  Not only will it result in good health for the man who has it, but it will enable him to gain earthly belongings and a high level of respect.  It provides a sense of confidence and competence and eliminates feelings of inferiority that cause depression for many people.

“The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.  By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” (Proverbs 3:19-20)

The world did not evolve through a series of random occurrences, but was the result of an intelligent design by God.   Reproduction of more complex life forms requires the mating of two like creatures.  Evolution would require that not just one but two of each surviving species evolve close enough to the same place that they could mate and produce offspring.   The odds against a single animal evolving as a result of random processes and surviving long enough to reproduce are astronomical, but the odds against two of them occurring in the same vicinity at the same time are beyond the realm of possibility. 

The orbits of the various planets and stars were planned to keep them in their proper places and regulate the amount of heat and light received so that things neither burned up nor froze.   Earthquakes and volcanoes constantly release nutrients into the ocean to be utilized by plankton and other sea plants, or are released into the atmosphere to be used by the land plants.  The clouds carry moisture inland where it condenses and waters the land plants, enabling them to grow and produce food for the animals.  It is a very carefully designed system.  It took a great deal of wisdom to create a functional world.

 “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.  Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.  When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:21-24)

Like muscular development or various skills, wisdom and discretion or discernment fade unless they are used and practiced frequently.  If they are practiced regularly, they will keep us from making missteps or self-destructive behavior.  They will eliminate worries and sleepless nights, leaving one at peace with himself and his surroundings.   With that in mind, Solomon lays out individual proverbs or advice to practice.

“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:25-26)

When others suffer the consequences of their actions the wise person has no reason to fear or worry because he has not done the same things.  Instead, he should trust God to protect him from the consequences of other people’s sin. 

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.  Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” (Proverbs 3:27-28)

Don’t let concerns about what might happen in the future keep you from doing what you should at the present time.  If you owe somebody something, pay what you can without quibbling or stalling for time.  It is rightfully their money.  Give it to them. 

“Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.  Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.” (Proverbs 3:29-30)

Don’t take unfair advantage of your neighbor’s trust, and don’t start fights with people who have not done you wrong. 

“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.  For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.  The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.  Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.  The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” (Proverbs 3:31-35)

Don’t even think about copying the guy who takes advantage of other people.  People who refuse to follow the rules are an abomination that makes God sick and he puts a curse on them.  He blesses those who do what is right.  He despises those who are arrogant and think they are better, but encourages those who are not so proud.  Those who are wise and recognize God’s authority but fools who think they are so great will embarrassed when the time comes.