Category: Devotions

Wisdom results in eternal happiness (1-10), but if you suffer trials in its pursuit, don’t be discouraged (11-12). It will be worth it all (13-18). Verse 13 begins with Happy and 18 ends with Happy (Heb.). It is Wisdom in its highest sense that is in view here. As we have seen, this Wisdom is embodied in Christ. Like treasure, it is to be found, not fashioned by us. It is all of God. He does it all, and it is all done! We cannot save ourselves, but we must seek the salvation already provided. Seek and ye shall find God’s precious, permanent peace!

The verses 11-12 close this section, and also give a helpful correction to the notion that godliness brings automatic prosperity and perpetual happiness. It also provides a partial answer to the perplexing question as to why saints suffer. It is often God’s discipline at work. God’s saints need it while living in this sinful world. It is an action by which God brings repentance and renewed obedience. How we react is crucial. Some complain and others faint. The trial affects one too little and the other too much. Treat such trials as testings. It is thus our true self is revealed. “We must not be stocks, and stones, and stoics, under our afflictions, insensible of them, hardening ourselves under them” (M. Henry).

These verses (9-10) deal with the unpopular subject of giving, a topic too often exploited. Some horde money; some squander it; some use it selfishly; some will kill for it. Love of power and love of money are both great corrupters, so don’t emphasise verse 10 and forget verse 9. This is a matter that has been misunderstood by many in the past and misapplied by others in the present. The order is, first honour God in all your dealings, especially your finances, and so, you will have His blessing (Acts 20:35).

The Bible reminds us that we are in God’s hands, that in Him alone we live and move and have our being. We cannot escape His gaze or His grasp.

To acknowledge God (v.6) means simply knowing (so Hebrew) Him, always living in His presence, enjoying daily fellowship with Him. Such a knowledge leads to true blessedness (Ps. 9:10; Phil. 3:10). Here once again there are two different words for way (road) and path (rut). They are sometimes synonymous, but the second word is from a root meaning to wander, suggesting by-paths. It is not only wise but also necessary to consult a road map while travelling in unknown lands. If you do, the less likely you are to lose your way. Thus, the more you acknowledge (know) the Lord, the more you will be preserved from going astray into dangerous by-paths.

To receive mercy and truth into the heart will prove good seed bringing forth bountiful harvests. We look today at the next couplet (v.5-6). These verses were often among the very first to be memorised. Why? They represent the “polar-star” for every new convert beginning the spiritual journey. Is it not because they anticipate the Gospel? How grandly they potray what faith means? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Faith is trust, but trust in What or Whom?

In our next couplet (v.3-4) we meet Mercy and Truth, the inseparable “Twins of Grace.” They are such a pair as will either lodge together or leave together (Bp. Hacket).

Happiness as well as Healthiness is obeying the Lord. And peace shall they add to thee (3:2). God had to teach Abraham this blessed truth (Gen. 12:1). Following obediently the call of God was not easy for him then, nor is it easier for us today. Vs. 2 reminds us that happiness is never to be an end in itself. It is always a by-product of Peace (shalom), a right relationship with God and man. It is not found is books on How to Be Happy in Ten Easy Lessons. It is not having an “emotional high” at a charismatic rally. It is not something nebulous, but is found by those who are willing to be obedient to God’s Law. “Peace added forms the sunshine of the toilsome way” (Bridges).

D. Thomas calls these verses (1-10) “the Philosophy of Health and Happiness.” Maclaren titles this passage as “The Secret of Wellbeing.” These verses reaffirm the message of all Scripture that there is “a goodness that secures long life and happiness.”

We now have a series of six couplets in these verses (synonymous proverbs). They move from general advice (vs.1-4) to specific commands (vs.5-12), and represent the prayers of godly parents for their children. How touching is the opening petition, My son! Here is a series of pleas and promises by which alone true purpose and prosperity are to be found.