Proverbs 3:1-8
The author (Solomon) again urges the reader (“my son”) to attend to his teaching, using language reminiscent of Deuteronomy 11:18-21. Again, intentionality is key: diligence; attentiveness; focus — certainly not apathy.
Long ago (40+ years) I memorized Pr. 3:5-6 (as well as Pr. 3:9-10 from tomorrow’s reading): Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding… These verses capture a core truth, that true wisdom is not a matter of being smart, of information gathering and thorough cost-benefit analysis; rather, true wisdom is found in wholeheartedly trusting in the LORD. I am very glad I memorized these verses, as they have assuredly saved me from many a disaster over the years (despite my inconsistency in heeding them). I didn’t choose those verses on my own, though; they were part of a list of good foundational verses to know. Reading them now again in the broader context of this chapter, I think I’ll add Pr. 3:7-8 to the memorization list:
Be not wise in your own eyes;
Proverbs 3:7-8
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Modern English poetry often employs rhyme, repeating similar terminal sounds. We don’t find that in Hebrew poetry; rather, the “rhyming” scheme is to repeat or restate a thought or idea (or a contrasting idea), not a sound. So Pr. 3:7-8 “rhymes” with Pr. 3:5-6, saying very much the same thing, but I especially like the image of “healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” I need to burn that in.
By the way, I strongly encourage memorization of Scripture, to let the Word of God soak in, first into our minds, but ultimately into our hearts. As we go through these readings, pick out some verses each week and commit them to memory. You will not regret it: do not forget my teaching… (v. 1)
Do not be wise in your own eyes… (v. 7a) I understand that we can easily take our own “wisdom” to an extreme, to the point where we become arrogant as to our way of thinking. But, excepting that extremity, I’m wondering at the role of self-confidence, our trust in our own decisions or our own judgments. Naturally if those decisions and judgments have been set before the Lord and we have peace that we have sought Him in our decision-making, then we should be confident as we move forward. But our “self-confidence” must necessarily come from a point of humility – that it’s the Lord working through us, not us in our own “wisdom”. Do not be wise in your own eyes…