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THE BLESSING OF STABILITY AND SECURITY (Book study series - Proverbs) - Message no. 11
Wisdom is a lifeline offered by God to every believer. Solomon continued to emphasized that if a young man will take hold of God’s wisdom, it will result to a great blessing of life. THE PERSON WHO WILL HOLD STRONGLY TO GOD’S WISDOM AND DO NOT TURN FROM IT, WILL BE BLESS BY GOD WITH STABILITY AND SECURITY IN LIFE. After the description of the power of Wisdom exhibited in creating and sustaining the earth which we discussed in previous studies from the preceding verses, now the exhortation to keep Wisdom steadily before the eyes, and the promises of Divine protection, appropriately follow. Since Wisdom is so powerful, so Solomon teaches that Wisdom is worthy of being retained and guarded, and able to protect. Solomon in verse 21 says “Let not them depart (al-yaluzu); It means let them not escape or slip aside from your mind. Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to these things, lest at any time we should let them slip. Let wisdom depart not means "not become worthless.”
Solomon says in Proverbs 3:21 “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes” This do not refer to the things done by wisdom, though it is good to contemplate his works of creation and providence, but is about the wisdom, understanding and knowledge, whereby these things are done. Also, we should always set Christ before us, keep Christ always in view, we must be ever looking to Christ by faith, and never suffer Christ to depart from our eyes.
On these last words of Solomon about sound wisdom and discretion is also in Proverbs 1:4, Proverbs 2:7 (Proverbs 1:4 “To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.”; Proverbs 2:7 “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”). Solomon repeats similar warning or caution so frequently not depart from wisdom in (Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother”; Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee”; Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments”). Solomon repeatedly gives the warning not to depart from God’s wisdom because of man’s apathetic spiritual condition and also to impress men to be more firmly with the greatness, certainty and importance of not departing from God’s wisdom. The real challenge for every believer in this verse is not to regress in our spiritual condition and knowledge, but to progress in our spiritual condition and knowledge.
Solomon in verse 21, said to the young man to keep God’s wisdom before their eyes “let not them depart from thine eyes”, that is the eyes of the mind, to constantly and seriously meditate upon the wisdom of God, that will serve as a perpetual object of delight and source of instruction.
Solomon was telling the young man do not allow anything or anyone pry you away from God’s wisdom for it will carry you to great stability, security and blessing.
In verse 21, after Solomon warns the young man not to depart from wisdom, then Solomon says, “keep sound wisdom and discretion.” The main idea we have from verse 21, is a negative and a positive, both designed to communicate the point of holding tightly to the wisdom of God. On the negative side, the charge is do not let them (sound wisdom and discretion) depart or get out of our sight. On the positive side, the charge is to keep sound wisdom and discretion.
The words keep “sound wisdom.” It meant the sound doctrine. The vulgate Latin version renders it “keep the law.” Then it says, “and discretion.” That is the counsel, it is the discernment or understanding. Again, Solomon says, “keep sound wisdom and discretion”.
Six benefits and blessings to those who keep his eyes on sound wisdom and discretion: I – OVERALL STABILITY OF SOUL – v.22a Proverbs 3:22a “So shall they be life unto thy soul”
Kawikaan 3:22a “at sila'y magiging buhay sa iyong kaluluwa.”FILIPINO VERSION
Wisdom reveals the righteousness of God whereby the believer in Christ lives before God (Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”), without the righteousness of God, the man is dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”). How can you have life in your soul if you are dead in trespasses and sins? Romans 3:21-25 “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” We will be justified by the redemption of Jesus Christ through faith in his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Amen!
Solomon says in verse 22, “So shall they be life unto thy soul.” Life is in its highest and widest sense given to the soul (Proverbs 2:16 “To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words”; Proverbs 2:18 “For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead”) and not only sense or discernment in life but also favor in life is conferred on the man (Proverbs 4:22 “For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”; Proverbs 8:35 “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.”). Example: A person becomes acceptable to his neighbors if he has wisdom, and that is the favor he obtained from the Lord.
Solomon says, wisdom shall be life “unto thy soul,” It means wisdom shall be life unto thee or thy person. Wisdom shall prolong and perpetuate thy life, and wisdom make life to wit, pleasant and happy.
The phrase “life unto thy soul” literally reads from the Hebrew text “lives” (plural) unto thy soul.”
The plural is a plural that represents fullness and since a soul only has one life. So, the word “soul” that is used here refer to physical, mental and spiritual life of a human. In other words, we are referring to the over-all stability of soul.
Talking about man’s need, the greatest psychology book in the entire world is the Word of God and the greatest therapy that any person can submit to is the will of God. Wisdom is a life unto our soul, life into our whole being. The Word of God is what we need in our physical, mental and spiritual life, it is about the over-all stability of soul.
II – ORNAMENTAL BEAUTY OF PERSONALITY – v. 22b Proverbs 3:22b “and grace to thy neck.”
Kawikaan 3:22b “at sa iyong leeg ay magiging pampaganda.” FILIPINO VERSION
Solomon says in latter part of verse 22, “and grace to thy neck.” he describes wisdom like a graceful, beautiful chain to thy neck (Proverbs 1:9 “For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”; Proverbs 3:3 “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart”). Wisdom is an ornament to that person and to the whole man. Christ and his righteousness are ornamental to a believer. That person who has God’s wisdom is steady in his principles and regular in his practices, who stands fast in the truths of the Gospel and a person whose way of living is as becomes grace of wisdom.
Others understand “grace to thy neck” as in the sense of “grace of the lips” as in (Psalm 45:3; Proverbs 22:11) that is as the grace of speaking, power of eloquent and effective utterance. Therefore, the “grace to thy neck” here as referring to the adornment of the personal character which obtained by favor and kindness.
What Solomon wants to say in this verse 22 that the person who will pursue the wisdom of God and not turn from it will become a person who is a beautiful, shining example for others to see. In other words, as the antithesis, if a person does turn from God’s wisdom, that personality will become ugly. One can only become an ornament of grace by guarding and defending the sound wisdom and discernment in our practical living and do not depart from wisdom in our meditation.
The whole phrase of verse 22 “So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.” Meant that the “soul” and “neck” stand for the whole man in his twofold nature, internal and external.
III – ONGOING SECURITY OF MIND – v.23a Proverbs 3:23a “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely”
Kawikaan 3:22a “Kung magkagayo'y tiwasay kang lalakad sa iyong daan” FILIPINO VERSION
Through God’s wisdom, a person shall walk secured and safe from any dangers and troubles in life (Psalm 91:11-16 “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”; Proverbs 10:9 “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known”).
The words “walk in thy way” That is to manage all your employments and concerns in life. The word “walk” could best be understood as moving forward in a particular direction. And the word “safely” has to do with mental security and recognition that one is not in danger. The word “safely” that is confidently or securely, without danger or fear, as you casting your care upon God in the discharge of your duty. That is walking with God’s escorting presence. Walking with ongoing security of mind.
This is walking safely in the way without fear of any enemy; as he is seeing the Captain of Salvation gone before, he is walking in the ways of pleasantness and peace as he is walking in God’s wisdom, having that Wisdom from God’s Word as a lamp to the feet and a light unto the paths (Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”).
Solomon says, “thou walk in thy way safely.” This is the first of the promises of protection, which follow from Proverbs 3:23. The person who keeps “sound wisdom and discretion” (verse 21), shall enjoy the greatest sense of security in all situations of life (verse 23). What referring here is obvious, this is regarding someone who is accompanied by the ongoing security of an escort proceeds on his way in safety, so you as protected by God will pass your life in security. The Believer shall ever go under a double guard as “the peace of God” from within, as Paul said that in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” then the Believer shall ever go under the “power of God” from without, as Peter said that in I Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
The instruction is clear that anyone who keeps sound wisdom and discretion shall enjoy the greatest sense of security in all situations of life.
- - - - -Continuation - PART 2 - - - - - IV – OVERCOMING STUMBLING BLOCK IN LIFE – v.23b Proverbs 3:23b “and thy foot shall not stumble.”
Kawikaan 3:23b “at ang iyong paa ay di matitisod kailanman.”
The phrase “thy foot shall not stumble.” Literally “thou shall not strike thy foot.” Stumble in the original is thiggoph, means “to smite,…strike against with the foot.” Thy foot may not stumble, for assurance, see Proverbs 4:11-12 “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.” You will not stumble, because you will be walking in the way of wisdom, which is free from stumbling blocks. You will not stumble at those stumbling-blocks and temptations at which heedless sinners commonly stumble at the words and the truths of it (I Peter 2:8 “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”) and fall. You will be kept from falling into sin or you will not fall into sin. The word “stumble” is often used of God tripping up a person through some form of divine judgment because that person has rebelled against Him. However, if the sound wisdom and discretion will be guarded in your mind, your foot shall not stumble. Walk in God’s wisdom, in God’s Word, in God’s will, you’ll not stumble and fall. V – OVERPOWERING SECURITY AT SLEEP – v.24 Proverbs 3:24 “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”
Kawikaan 3:24 “Kapag ikaw ay nakahiga, hindi ka matatakot; kapag ika'y humimlay, magiging mahimbing ang iyong tulog” FILIPINO VERSION
Whether you are in motion or you are at rest, or you are at business or you are at leisure, by day or by night, all is going well with you or at least shall ultimately end for good. (Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” NASB). You will have a sweet sleep after a faithful discharge of duty. You shalt not be afraid through stings (kagat, kirot) of conscience, or fear of enemies, or because of anxious cares; because confidence in the Lord and a good conscience will banish all fears (Proverbs 3:26 “For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken”; FILIPINO VERSION "...sapagkat ang Panginoon ang magiging iyong pagtitiwala, at iingatan mula sa pagkahuli ang iyong mga paa").
Solomon is saying at the opening words of verse 24 “when thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid.” The word used in verse 24 “afraid” means a troubling fear. You will feel no fear and have sound sleep, worries free. Free from distracting cares and terrors, which oft times haunt sinners even in their sleep, because your mind was composed and peaceful through your sense that God’s favor and providence is upon you, and the conscience of your own integrity. Solomon is saying, when thou liest down on thy bed at night to take sleep, you have committed yourself into the mighty hands of a faithful Creator and Sovereign God and Father, and the Savior Jesus Christ and Wisdom of God. You shalt not be afraid of thieves breaking in to get inside your house then hurt any person or rob you of thy property. You shalt not be afraid of fire to consume thy dwelling place and substance. You shalt not be afraid of diabolical specters deceiving thy sight and disturbing thy mind. Also, when thou art asleep, as the words signifies, do not be surprised or terrified with uneasy imaginations, worries, and dreams that can distress.
For long years, Psychologists confirmed highly importance of sleep. The Psychologists have realized that many people have major struggles with sleep during the night. In verse 24, the last phrase “thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Is beautifully illustrated by what David says in Psalm 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” No fear is to be apprehended where Jehovah is Protector (Psalms 3:5-6 “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”; Psalms 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”; Psalms 91:1-10 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”; Psalms 121:1-8 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4luBehold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”).
The word “When” (H518) in verse 24 is rendered “if” by the latin vulgate. Targumist named Jonathan the “thou liest down” (H7901 tishklav) rendered it to “thou shalt lie down” which is kal future in Hebrew like “shakavta” which is kal perfect in Hebrew, corresponding from hebrew “shakav” that means “to lie down”, specially to lay one’s self down to sleep, as in (Genesis 19:4 “they lay down”; Psalm 3:5-6”I laid me down and slept;… I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people…”) In the latin vulgate it renders “when thou sleepest” like in Proverbs 6:22 “…when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee…”
The last phrase of verse 24 says that when thou shalt lied down to sleep, the assurance is it “shall be sweet” (in Hebrew ve·a·re·vah H6149) means to be sweet, or pleasant. It means to mix or interweave. A Believer who holds tight to God’s wisdom will be so free from terror that in any circumstance in life, no matter what is mixed or weaved into life, he will be able to lie down and experience a pleasant, sweet night of sleep. Your sleep shall be full of pleasing impressions, not restless, but sweet, unlike the description and condition that was in Deuteronomy 28:66 “And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life”; Job 7:4 “When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day”). However, since you sense of safety and your confidence is in God, as well as your confidence is from a good conscience, on which the idea is taken from (Job 11:18 “thou shalt take thy rest in safety.”). You can be free of all uneasy thoughts and worries, sound and refreshing, pleasant and comfortable like of the laboring man in Ecclesiastes 5:12 “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” Eclesiastes 5:12 “Masarap ang tulog ng manggagawa; kumakain man siya nang kaunti o marami; ngunit ang pagpapakasawa ng mayaman ay hindi magpapatulog sa kanya.” FILIPINO VERSION
VI – OVERSEEING SECURITY ABOUT THE FUTURE – v.25-26 Proverbs 3:25-26 "Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
Kawikaan 3:25-26 “Huwag kang matakot sa pagkasindak na bigla, o sa pagdating ng pagsalakay ng masama, 26 sapagkat ang Panginoon ang magiging iyong pagtitiwala, at iingatan mula sa pagkahuli ang iyong mga paa.” FILIPINO VERSION
The phrase in verse 25 “Be not afraid” or “thou shalt not be afraid” Is at once a precept and a promise to the godly. The godly people of God have no cause to fear evil tidings, in other words it is require thee not to be afraid for it is both your duty and privilege. The godly or righteous believer are not to fear those bad news or terror in the night (Psalm 112:7 “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.”; Psalms 91:5 “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day”). The words “Be not afraid of sudden fear” because sudden and unexpected evils are most frightful. It also means we should not be afraid of anything terrible that comes when we are unawares, or we do not think of, or by any things previously mentioned in the preceding note; or by any rumors and bad reports of danger being near at hand, but we must always think ourself safe in the arms of Wisdom, and under the care of Israel’s keeper, who never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4-5 “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.” The word “Be not afraid” was quoted once in the New Testament in I Peter 3:6 “Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” In tagalog translation “at hindi kayo natatakot sa anumang pananakot.” God is overseeing the security of your future
Now in the second part of verse 25 it says, “neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” Solomon wants to say that be not afraid of the unthought, unawares, or by any bad new comes suddenly but neither of the desolation which wicked men threaten to bring, and you suffered as they bring upon the godly for the sake of religion; no matter either it is on their persons or goods, since suffering at the hands of these wicked in such a cause is purposely to the honor of the believers and for the glory of God, also be not afraid if it is of the desolation which comes upon the godly people of God, because God is able to deliver the godly people of God from that desolation of the wicked, as Noah and his family were delivered from the universal deluge. It means that the desolation befalls on the wicked, when the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, as it is expressed in Isaiah 26:21 ”For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”, and you may be apt to fear lest you should be involved in the common calamity, but fear not because God will then hide you in his chambers as He promised in Isaiah 26:20 “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”
The words in verse 26 in our text says “For the Lord shall be thy confidence.” Or it can be rendered “the Lord shall be in thy confidence.” It means the Lord is the object of your confidence, and the Lord is whom you shall put your confidence, and you will be safe and secure from all fear and danger. The Lord will be with the followers of Wisdom in the things which may seem foolishness to the world; as Christ, and the things of Christ, and even the things of the Spirit of Christ, the Gospel, and the Bible are seem foolishness to the world. It can also understand that “the Lord shall be your help” In all times of distress, difficulty and danger. There is the Lord overseeing the security about your future.
Now verse 26 says, "and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Or “at iingatan mula sa pagkahuli ang iyong mga paa.” FILIPINO VERSION), it refers namely, in the snares of Satan, the flesh, the world, and thy oppressors (Ecclesiastes 7:26 “And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.”). As you put your confidence in the Lord, the promise in verse 26, is that the Lord “shall keep thy foot from being taken,” in the snares of sin, temptation and mischief, in those people which Satan and the world lay for God’s people. And because of these things the Lord preserves those believers who put their confidence in the Lord.
The message of these two verses is that if a believer will hold tightly to the wisdom of God, he will never need to be afraid of what will happen in the future because Jehovah Himself will be his confidence. If a believer will not depart or will not turn from God’s wisdom, God will give total security for that believer and God will always honor those who honor God. Not only his daily life is secured and safe but the future is secured.
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