Further benefits of wisdom

During our study of Proverbs, we are not going study every verse. As we continue on with the theme of a father passing on wisdom to his son, we skip to the beginning of Proverbs 3.

¹ My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, ² for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. ³ Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:1-4

Discussion

• Again in the passage, we see Solomon adressing his son and reminding him to pay attention to wisdom.
• When we read in verse 1 "do not forget" the Hebrew word shakach can also be translated as to ignore. Thus, this admonition to not forget does double duty. Do not ignore wisdom now and don't forget it later. It's not just a one time thing, it's a continuing thing.
• When he says "keep my commands" that implies guarding them, watching over them, preserving them. You don't just keep a command and then be done with it, you keep it with you.
• When he says in verse 2 wisdom will bring you prosperity, the Hebrew word here is shalowm which means completeness (in number), soundness (in body), welfare (including health and prosperity), peace (including contentment and friendship).
• In verse 3 "love and faithfulness" refers to God's love and faithfulness. They will beautify your life (bind them around your neck) and you are to commit them to memory (write them on your heart).
• In verse 4, we see the ultimate result of being wise, favor with God and with man.
• Tomorrow, we are going to look at a passage that we would do well to write on our hearts.