Blessings for the Obedient
A handbook for young people is found in Proverbs chapter 3. Blessings come to those who follow it. In this chapter the young are told several rules for living:
Don't forget the Lord's commandments (Proverbs 3:1)
Be merciful and truthful (Proverbs 3:3)
Trust God but don't trust your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)
Don't think yourself wise but fear God (Proverbs 3:7)
Honor God with the things He has blessed you with (Proverbs 3:9)
Don't hate God's correction and discipline (Proverbs 3:11)
Wisdom and understanding are to be greatly desired (Proverbs 3:13-26)
If you can do good to someone - do it. (Proverbs 3:27)
Don't plan bad things against a neighbor (Proverbs 3:29)
Don't pick fights without good cause (Proverbs 3:30)
Don't be envious of oppressors; people who have a lot, but it has been gotten in a sinful manner. (Proverbs 3:31)
But Those Who Are Disobedient
In verses 32 - 35 we see the contrast between those who are obedient to God and those who are not.
God hates the perverse person, the one who willfully sins, but shares Himself and His knowledge with the upright, the one who follows His commands. (Proverbs 3:32)
God curses the home of the wicked but blesses the home of the righteous (this is not to be thought of as financial blessings but as the blessing of knowing Christ and following Him). (Proverbs 3:33)
God scorns those who mock belief in Him, who mock believers and their trust in Him, but He blesses those who are humble and being oppressed. (Proverbs 3:34)
Wise people inherit honor but a fool only shame. (Proverbs 3:35)
The Benefits of Wisdom and Understanding
The largest portion of the chapter, verses 13-26, talk about the benefits of wisdom and understanding. With wisdom and understanding you can walk a safe path, one with no stumbling. You won't be afraid at night. You will sleep peacefully. You won't be afraid of any sudden disaster. Why? Because the Lord will be at your side. He will protect you from being ensnared, trapped, in sin.
Having the wisdom and understanding of God allows us to make better decisions. It helps us get our priorities right. Because of this our life, in general, will run smoother and when things do go wrong we are better equipped to deal with them in a calm and responsible manner. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that true wisdom can only begin when we have true fear of God.
Gil's Exposition of the Entire Bible puts it this way:
"for fear is an awe and reverence of the divine Being, joined with love to him, trust in him, and a desire to serve and worship him in a right manner; no sooner is a man converted, but presently there is in him a fear of offending God, from a principle of love to him; for not a slavish but a filial fear is here intended"
Commands on our Heart
Finally, let's return to verse one again. The author tells us not to let "our heart" forget His commands. Not just words that we memorize, but commands written on our hearts for our whole life. Why is this so important? Because if we don't forget, a peaceful long life will be our reward. Who among us doesn't want that?
Ask God
Some of you may think, well that's impossible. I can never have true wisdom. James 1:5 says otherwise,
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
All you have to do is - ask!
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