Sunday School Lesson
January 14
Lesson 7 (KJV)
Faith and Trust
Devotional Reading: Psalm 56
Background Scripture: Proverbs 3:1–12
Proverbs 3:1–8
1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Key Text
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.—Proverbs 3:5
Faith That Pleases God
Unit 2: Learning About Faith
Lessons 6–9
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify principles that lead to a blessed life.
2. Explain why fear of the Lord is foundational to other proverbial principles.
3. Make a plan to identify and change an area of life to align more closely with the Lord’s will by application of a proverbial principle.
How to Say It
Deuteronomy Due-ter-ahn-uh-me.
omnipotent ahm-nih-poh-tent.
omnipresent ahm-nih-prez-ent.
omniscient ahm-nish-unt.
Septuagint Sep-too-ih-jent.
Introduction
A. Whose Influence?
Who do you regard as an authoritative voice? Perhaps you consider a particular writer, podcast host, or teacher as such an influence. When I think about the voices that influence me, I immediately think of my professors from Bible college. After graduation, I kept and organized all my notes from their classes for future reference. These notes even went with me during my time as an overseas missionary! I trusted the expertise and wisdom of those professors and wanted to ensure that I would not forget their teachings.
One of the earliest authoritative voices in a person’s life is a parent. Most parents want to see their children flourish. Therefore, they will teach their children to become kind, thoughtful, and intelligent people. Parents who follow Jesus will also desire that their children seek God’s wisdom and experience a personal relationship with Jesus.
The book of Proverbs invites us to hear the teachings of a father to his son. Regardless of whether or not our parents have taught us God’s wisdom, we can learn from this father figure and apply his wisdom to our lives.
B. Lesson Context
The book of Proverbs is generally attributed to King Solomon (see Proverbs 1:1). His wisdom was renowned (examples: 1 Kings 4:30–31; 10:24), and over 3,000 proverbs originated with him (4:32), so he was an ideal person to write this book of wisdom literature. Additionally, the text attributes two other sections to Agur (Proverbs 30:1) and King Lemuel (31:1). However, we know nothing about these two men.
The text does not indicate when these texts were consolidated into the form of Proverbs that we read today. Further, the text does not have a direct recipient. The significance of Proverbs is not found in its original writers, date of composition, or original audience. Instead, its importance is in how it communicates what makes up a life of wisdom. All people can learn and apply the wisdom taught in the book of Proverbs.
For some readers, the book of Proverbs reads like disjointed sets of oracles without any connection. However, five sections divide the book: an introduction to wisdom (Proverbs 1–9), the proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16; 25:1–29:27), the words of the wise (22:17–24:34), the words of Agur (Proverbs 30), and the words of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31).
The first section begins with an explanation of the importance of wisdom (see Proverbs 1:1–7). After the introduction, most of that section is written from the perspective of a father advising his son on the importance of seeking wisdom from the Lord.
With one exception (see Proverbs 3:5), the poetic order of each pair of verses in today’s Scripture follows the same pattern. First, the father gives his son a negative command (example: 3:1a). Second, the father gives a positive command (example: 3:1b). Finally, the father concludes that section with a promise for the son (example: 3:2).
I. One Law
(Proverbs 3:1–2)
A. Remembering Commands (v. 1)
1a. My son, forget not my law.
Although the text leaves the speaker unidentified, we assume that a father is instructing his son (see Proverbs 4:1). The book of Proverbs presents wisdom from God as a quality that can be passed from generation to generation through teaching (4:3–7). The commands of a father and the law of a mother are understood to be one of the most influential voices for a child in this regard (see 6:20).
Frequently in the Old Testament, the “law” refers to that given by God to His people (examples: Exodus 24:12; 2 Kings 17:34–37). However, the qualifier my indicates that this particular law consists of a father’s instruction to his son. Such instruction is a prominent theme in the first section of Proverbs (see Proverbs 1:8; 4:2; 6:20; 7:2).
The son is told to forget not his father’s law because of possible risks that such forgetfulness might incur (compare Proverbs 4:5). Similarly, the Israelites were warned the same regarding God’s law and His covenant with them (see Deuteronomy 4:23).
What Do You Think?
How do you ensure you do not forget the wisdom others have given you?
Digging Deeper
What steps will you take to pass along wisdom to younger generations?
Do Not Forget
“It’s always something. It’s never simple. It’s always late.”
When I was a child, my dad constantly repeated these maxims in moments when I felt exasperated by life’s challenges. At the time, I couldn’t understand what he meant by these sayings. However, after several decades of life experience, my father’s wisdom now makes sense. His point was that life is filled with complications and challenges. He wanted me to expect these challenges rather than become frustrated and angered by them. These days, I share that same wisdom with my children and students. They frequently disregard my counsel because they consider it inapplicable or untimely. But perhaps someday—maybe decades later—they’ll remember what I’ve told them. God has surrounded you with wise people—some older than you and some younger than you. What instruction from them do you need to remember, even if you don’t fully understand its importance in the current moment? —N. G.
1b. But let thine heart keep my commandments.
Most modern-day perspectives consider the heart the emotional center of a person. Such views believe this emotional center lacks the capacity for rational guidance or direction. In the Old Testament, however, the heart refers to a person’s inner being. Among other aspects, this inner being includes a person’s volition (examples: Genesis 6:5; Exodus 25:2; Proverbs 16:9), emotions (examples: Isaiah 30:29; Nehemiah 2:2), and knowledge (example: 1 Kings 3:9, 12). The centrality of the heart led the father in Proverbs to warn his son regarding its safe keeping (see Proverbs 4:23). The son must be willing and able to receive his father’s exhortations and apply them to his life.
One way that the son could keep his father’s commandments would be to commit them to memory and obey them (compare Psalm 119:11). The Law of Moses commanded parents to teach their children about God’s law (see Deuteronomy 6:4–9). Parents honor God when they train their children to follow God. Further, children obey God and receive a blessing when they give honor to their parents and follow their commands (see next verse; see also Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20). Remembrance of the law and commands is the foundation of a life strengthened by God (see Psalm 119:93).
B. Promise of Life (v. 2)
2. For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. When a child honors his or her parents, the days of that child “may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). The promise of a long life stands in contrast to the promise that whoever “pursueth evil pursueth it to … death” (Proverbs 11:19). The wicked person does not follow the commands of God. Such a person “shall not inhabit the earth” (10:30). As a child follows and honors his or her parents, that child is entering a life of wisdom. Later, the father describes wisdom as a woman who holds “length of days … in her right hand” (3:16, not in our printed text). While a long life is not inevitable, a flourishing life begins with seeking wisdom from godly parents.
The Hebrew understanding of peace sometimes does imply an absence of conflict (example: 1 Samuel 7:14). However, the Hebrew word for peace can also encompass ideas of flourishing (see Jeremiah 29:7), relational harmony (Isaiah 57:18–19), or the completeness of God’s work (54:10; Nahum 1:15). It is the first two aspects that this father is most concerned about for his son.
II. Two Virtues
(Proverbs 3:3–4)
A. Bind and Write (v. 3)
3a. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee.
Mercy and truth are key words in the Old Testament, especially regarding the attributes of God. Mercy frequently refers to God’s loyalty and commitment toward His people (example: Psalm 136). God’s mercy is rooted in His faithfulness and promises (see Deuteronomy 7:9, 12; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 26:3). His mercy seeks redemption and safety for God’s people (example: Exodus 15:13). Truth conveys the idea of reliability (examples: 71:22; Isaiah 61:8).
The father’s concern is not only his son’s behavior; the father also desires to see the son’s heart transformed. A transformed heart will result in changed behavior (see Matthew 15:19). A life that appears righteous but lacks a rightly ordered heart is full of hypocrisy and sin (see 23:28). The heart’s deception will someday be exposed (Proverbs 26:24–26). The father wants his son to do good actions—actions that come from a heart transformed and oriented toward the virtues of mercy and truth.
A heart filled with mercy and truth should be the foundation for the son’s behavior. A life seeking God’s wisdom results in that life developing mercy and truth that will bear fruit through righteous and wise actions. These attributes are part of God’s character, so they should be part of the character of His people (compare Proverbs 16:6; 20:28).
3b. Bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.
In biblical times, necklaces were signs of honor or rank (examples: Genesis 41:42; Daniel 5:29). To bind something around one’s neck revealed the importance and significance of that item to the wearer. The figurative language in this verse highlights the extent that the son should go to develop a life of mercy and truth. The opposite of a life with these virtues would be considered “stiff-necked”—rebellious and disobedient (examples: Exodus 32:9; Jeremiah 17:23; Acts 7:51).
The command to write mercy and truth upon the table of the heart is another example of figurative language. This verse also alludes to Deuteronomy 6:6–8. In those verses, God commanded the people of Israel to internalize His law and apply it to all areas of life. Such virtues are not to be hidden from the world. Instead, a wisdom-filled life will develop these virtues in the heart. Such lives are “declared to be the epistle of Christ” through God’s Spirit (see 2 Corinthians 3:3).
What Do You Think?
How will you continue to “write” these virtues “on your heart”?
Digging Deeper
What steps do you take to ensure you are attentive to the Spirit’s leading in this regard?
B. Promise of Favor (v. 4)
4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
To find favour in a person means to hold that person in high regard (example: Daniel 1:9). Even children, when they follow God, can receive favor from other people and God (example: 1 Samuel 2:26). To have a good understanding signifies character and integrity of insight that leads a person to act righteously. This character develops when a person seeks the wisdom of the Lord and lives in obedience to Him (see Psalm 111:10).
A life of character will not only be pleasing in the sight of God, but other people will also recognize it (compare Luke 2:52). The apostle Peter admonished believers to live in a way that would lead unbelievers to glorify God (see 1 Peter 2:12; compare Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 3:7). A good name and good reputation take time to develop. Not only do these things provide a personal benefit, but they are also avenues to honor God and reveal God to other people.
III. One Trust
(Proverbs 3:5–6)
A. Relying on the Lord (v. 5)
5a. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart.
We tend to place trust in things and people other than God (examples: Psalm 52:7; Isaiah 42:17; Jeremiah 17:5). At best, this misplaced trust can lead to futility. At worst, however, it can lead to destruction (see 13:24–27; 49:4–5). Misplaced trust does not lead to any lasting and eternal wisdom.
However, the father’s efforts were intended to result in his son’s developing trust in the Lord (compare Proverbs 22:19). The Lord is worthy to be trusted because, among other things, He is the source of salvation (see Isaiah 12:2). When people trust the Lord, they experience blessing from Him (see Psalm 37:3–7; Jeremiah 17:7–8).
To display trust with all thine heart implies a total commitment. As with showing love and devotion to the Lord (see Deuteronomy 6:5; 10:12), this kind of trust is an all-encompassing act; it requires the totality of a person’s being, beginning with one’s inner being (see commentary on Proverbs 3:1, above).
5b. And lean not unto thine own understanding.
The book of Proverbs contains numerous warnings against pride (examples: Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 16:5, 18). The reminder to lean not unto thine understanding is another warning in that regard. Only foolish people trust themselves more than the wisdom of the Lord (see 28:26). Their downfall is inevitable (see 18:12). When people consider themselves to be wise in the eyes of the world, their so-called wisdom amounts to foolishness in the eyes of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:18–19).
What Do You Think?
What steps do you take to ensure you trust the Lord with all your heart?
Digging Deeper
How do you establish personal guardrails when you want to lean on your own knowledge and expertise?
B. Promise of Direction (v. 6)
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
To acknowledge God means to know Him and give Him proper recognition for His activity in a person’s life (compare Proverbs 2:1–5). It involves intimate knowledge of God and a willingness to submit to His will. When people submit to God, they do not forge ahead as though God does not exist. Instead, they recognize God’s power and presence (see Philippians 3:7–11).
Those who submit to God can be assured that He will direct their paths of life (compare Jeremiah 10:23). God is all-knowing (omniscient), all-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent). Therefore, we can trust that He will provide His people with a wise and righteous path (see Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 2:8). This is not a promise of an easy life—trials are inevitable (see James 1:2–3; 1 Peter 4:12). However, God has provided us with an avenue of peace through Christ Jesus (see John 16:33). Through Christ Jesus, we can trust that God will guide and deliver us, no matter the nature of that path.
What Do You Think?
How do you overcome obstacles that prevent you from fully submitting to God?
Digging Deeper
Who will you recruit as an accountability partner in this regard?
IV. Two Actions
(Proverbs 3:7–8)
A. Fear and Avoidance (v. 7)
7a. Be not wise in thine own eyes.
The opposite of trusting in and submitting to God is to consider one’s wisdom as the final say. To be wise in thine own eyes is to be sure that one’s own wisdom is superior and ultimate. When people depend on their own wisdom and do what seems right to them, they are no better than fools (see Proverbs 18:2)—or worse (see 26:12).
God is the source of wisdom (see Proverbs 2:6) and desires to give His people wisdom through His Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2:6–16; James 1:5). As a result, God’s people should avoid lives of pride and arrogance (see Romans 12:16) and seek out wisdom from God (see James 3:13–16).
The example of King Solomon provides us with a warning based on this verse. He received wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:5–14). However, he failed to follow God’s wisdom (11:1–8). As a result, he experienced heartache and the promise of consequences that would extend past his lifetime (11:9–13).
Wise in My Own Eyes
I was one of a few high school freshmen who lettered in track; the hurdles were my specialty. One day, three guest coaches came to work with my team. The coaches adjusted familiar drills to force us to change our approach to training. For example, they placed the hurdles farther apart than usual. So, instead of taking three steps between hurdles, the drill forced us to take five or more steps.
I wanted to show off my power and strength. On my turn to complete the drill, I stretched out and only took three steps between hurdles. After the exercise, one of the coaches said that he liked my power and strength but that my form was also essential to develop. Hearing only what I wanted to hear, I drank in his praise, and my ego swelled. The next time my teammates ran the drill, I offered them unprompted advice for their improvement. Eventually, one of my teammates proclaimed an honest-but-harsh opinion about my new attitude. My ballooning ego popped.
In retrospect, I hadn’t heard all that the coach had told me. I had ignored the coach’s directives regarding my form. I only listened to the coach’s praise and considered myself skilled and wise. Is your self-determined wisdom causing you to be unable to hear the wisdom of others? —N. G.
7b. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Scripture provides instances when people were afraid of the Lord and His power (example: Genesis 3:10). In this verse, however, to fear the Lord involves having an attitude of reverence, awe, wonder, faith, and trust in the Lord. It is impossible to be wise in one’s own eyes and, simultaneously, fear the Lord. Instead, an attitude of humility is required (see Proverbs 22:4). Those who fear the Lord come to have true wisdom (see 1:7), which leads to an avoidance of evil (14:16). God delights in those who show humility and fear Him (see Psalm 147:11). Christians are commanded to live in a way that reflects their fear of the Lord (1 Peter 2:17; example: Acts 9:31).
Fearing God and loving evil are incompatible (see Exodus 20:20; example: Job 1:1). Fearing the Lord requires actively turning from evil (see Psalm 34:11–14). To depart from evil involves an attitude of repentance—turning away from sin and turning to God in faith and obedience.
B. Promise of Wholeness (v. 8)
8. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
This verse begins with a Hebrew idiom that provides difficulty to translators. The translation of navel is accurate to the Hebrew text. However, the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation) has the word for body instead. Perhaps the Hebrew text is an example of a literary practice of using a part of the whole to represent the whole. In this case, the health of the navel is representative of the health of the entire body.
Marrow is the life-giving tissue located in the cavities of most bones. This substance creates blood cells and provides energy for the body. However, the author of Proverbs would have likely been unaware of this fact. A nourished body contains marrow and strength in its bones (see Job 21:24). A life of humility, fear of the Lord, and obedience to Him results in the complete wholeness of a person. The son is promised health and vitality when he follows his father’s teachings (see Proverbs 4:20–22). We know, however, that a person’s status in life does not correlate to the quality of a person’s heart. While people may experience wholeness and health in part while on earth, Scripture promises a time in the future when “God shall wipe away all tears … and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” (Revelation 21:4).
What Do You Think?
How would you respond to the claim that this verse cannot be trusted because people “fear the Lord” but still experience ailments?
Digging Deeper
How do Psalms 103:14; 139:13–16; Isaiah 45:7; Luke 12:6–7; John 9:1–7; and 1 Peter 4:13 inform your response?
Conclusion
A. Voices of Authority
A 2022 study showed that most people spend about two and a half hours daily on social media platforms. While this may not seem like a lot of time, it is a significant increase from 10 years prior, when the average daily usage hovered around one hour per day. Social media has become a “voice of authority” for many people, regardless of the actual knowledge, expertise, or wisdom of that voice. It is easy for believers to say that we are seeking the wisdom of God when in actuality, other voices influence our lives and shape our perspectives. If we’re filling our lives with human ideas rather than the wisdom of God, which will have more influence?
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the inspired wisdom You have revealed to us in Scripture. Help us to listen and follow Your Word. Show us how we can be more attentive to the direction of Your Spirit so that we might have lives of wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God’s children seek the wisdom of their heavenly Father.
Standard Publishing. KJV Standard Lesson Commentary® 2023-2024 (pp. 460-477). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.