Sunday School Lesson 7: Faith and Trust, Proverbs 3:1-8, January 14, 2024.
Key Text: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
Conscious of the grave responsibilities of his position as King of Israel, Solomon, the young king asked God for Practical Wisdom instead of long life, riches, or honor. His decision was pleasing to God, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29). It also inspired confidence in his people who desperately needed wisdom’s counsel: the fool, the simple, and the scornful. The description of wisdom in Proverbs leads to the conviction that Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of the wisdom of God. Bitter disappointments and the weary heart of Solomon (who also married outside his own nationality) incurred through trusting his own wisdom would make him a probable instructor for Israel’s youth. Even though Solomon’s intention was to provide a book that would serve for the moral and intellectual training of youth, educated men studied these proverbs to their profit. In Proverbs, Solomon gave insight into the “knotty” issues of life which were not directly addressed in the Law of the Prophets.
Solomon challenged the young men to an appreciation of wisdom’s ability to direct them and produce success before God and men v 5. His teachings were made as part of one’s adornment as a necklace which could serve as a companion through life. That is, Solomon encouraged the youth to “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee” v3 and remain a constant companion through life.
Wisdom suggests that we take notice of God and humbly recognize him as the one who can control the affairs of our lives; that we “fear the Lord, and depart from evil” and “In all thy ways acknowledge him” v 6 in every work, purpose, and device. This approach to life will have the effect of producing health and strength in the marrow, the inner parts. God is promising physical well-being for those who live wisely according to His will. AMEN!
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