PROVERBS 3: LISTEN TO GOD'S WORD - 1-10

 

When you read this next passage in Proverbs: Chapter 3:1-10 - LISTEN AND BE GUIDED BY GOD'S WORD. Don't try to figure it all out on YOUR OWN - LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE.

1) BE GUIDED BY LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS

"Let LOVE, kindness and FAITHFULNESS never leave you, bind them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Proverbs 3:3 (NIV/NLT)

These should be the guiding principals of every decision you make:

* LOVE people and be FAIITHFUL IN all areas of your life.

* KINDNESS, LOYALTY and TRUTH to friends and family.

"Then you will find favour with both God and people and you will earn a good reputation." Proverbs 3:4 (NLT)

One person in the Old Testament who was well known for his FAITHFULNESS was Daniel. The "admimistratrators and high officials" had tried too find some fault with him in the wau he hand his leadership and "government affairs", so they could bring him down. But as well as his spiritual and prayer life, he was always known for being "responsible and completelly trustworthy". 

They tried to him put to death in the Lion's Den, but God sent an angel to shut the lion's mouths. King Darius was overjoyed when Daniel came out with no scratch on him, and he "made a decree throughout his kingdom": 

"Peace  and prosperity to you.....Tremble and fear before Daniel's God, for HE IS A LIVING GOD, AND HE WILL ENDURE FOREVER. His Kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end." Daniel 6:25b, 26 (NLT)

2) TRUST IN THE LORD, NOT YOURSELF

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."                                                                                                                          Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV)

Why is this verse so valuable?

* The more you TRUST IN GOD, the closer your FRIENDSHIP with Him grows. 

* Trust in God rather than arrogance. You can believe with your mind, but TRUST COMES FROM THE HEART. 

* Follow God's way and he will direct your path. Lean on Him, with OBEDIANCE AND TRUST, ancknowledge HIS WORD.

"God promises to guide those who OBEY AND TRUST HIM. Actively explore God's word, and depend on every part of it for your LIFE. He will GUIDE, PROTECT and COMFORT YOU." Max Lucado 

3. RUN FROM EVIL,  RUN TO GOD!

"Do not be wise with you own eyes (impressed with your wisdom); instead, fear the Lord (turn away) and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment (strength) to your bones." Proverbs 3:7&8 (NIV/NLT)

Have a HEALTHY RESPECT FOR GOD, HONOURING HIM.

* Renew your mind and be transformed. 

* Self leads to arrogance and pride, and we lose our dependence on God. 

* There is a positive connective between the physical and the spiritual. 

* God promises that you will have "healthh, nourishment and strength" in your body. 

 "Lord, help us not to just READ YOUR WORD, but to LEARN THEM, but to LIVE BY THEM, and to HONOUR YOUR NAME."  Nicky Gumbel

"You must believe that most of you automatic thoughts are untrue. You must examine your thoughts and feelings, before responding with actions. Do a BRAIN BIOPSY before you REACT. Become an empowered BRAIN SURGEON, so you can recognize the deceptive, accusing thoughts of the devil. Listen to the different VOICES and be encouraged by CHRISTS." Dr Lee Warren MD

"We destrou arguments and every loft opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE TO OBEY CHRIST."                                                                                                              2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)

4.  BECOME A GENEROUS GIVER

"Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops - then your barns will be overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine."                                                                                                                  Proverbs 3:9&10 (NIV)

It's really not a matter of how much you give, but WHAT YOU GIVE - "YOUR BEST" , and that you GIVE TO GOD FIRST! You will discover the truth of God's promises and He will supply all your needs. 

I know some special friends who have always valued their TIME AND MONEY - demonstrating their "firstfruits" of their labour to honor God and to serve others. I have always wanted to be a steward of what God has blessed me with. 

If you want God to entrust you with material finances and posessions, handle them wisely. Pray about how God wants you to spent His money. 

"God says "He is the owner of all we have". Before you pay taxes, pay bills, save for the future, give Him your 10% tithe." John & Janice Walsh

Being able to HELP OTHERS and MEET OTHERS NEEDS,  financially begins with our own financial freedom. As a true believer we need to be GENEROUS WITH OUR OWN BLESSINGS. We need to give thanks and give glory to God.

"Each of you should GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE DECIDED IN YOUR HEART TO GIVE, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER....You will be enriched in every way so that YOU CAN BE GENEROUS ON EVERY OCCASION, and through us YOUR GENEROSITY WILL RESULT IN THANKSGIVING TO GOD."                                                                                         2 Corinthians 9:7&11 (NIV)

"This means wholehearted, total committed to God, including ALL OUR FEARS, WORRIES, SUCCESSES IN OUR LIVES, - "ALL OUR HEARTS AND WAYS"."                                                                                                              Pippa Gumbel              

                             

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, "Tyndale House Translation

"THE HOLY BIBLE - ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION", 2001, Crossway/Good News Publishers

 LUCADO, Max,"The Devotional Bible: Experienching the Heart of Jesus - New Century Version", 2003, Thomas Nelson

GUMBEL, Nicky & Pippa, "Listen to God's Words in the Scriptures" - The Bible in One Year" (2009/2026), Alpha International/You Version

WALSH, John and Janice, "Successful Living- Proverbs 2" , 2000, Home Schooling

WARREN, Dr W. Lee M.D, "10 Commandments of Self Brain Surgery - The Life Changing Self Brain Surgery", 2025, Tyndale Refresh

"I'll Keep My  Promise - Faithfulness Songs for Kids: Proverbs 3:3" (2025), HeroesMatt HomeSchool Academy/YouTube

"Hear the Lord: Proverbs 3:7", (2025), Open Door Children's Ministry/YouTube

"Trust in the Lord: Proverbs 3:5&6"; "Honour the Lord: Proverbs 3:9&10" (English Standard Version), (2019), Jim Spencer (Composer), Spencer Family (Performers), Spencer Family Music/YouTube

                                                          

PROVERBS 2: WISDOM WILL SAVE YOU

 

                                        WAYS OF ADULTEROUS WOMEN

"Wisdom will also save you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with the seductive words." Proverbs 2:16 (NIV)

1. ADULTEROUS WOMAN

Jesus did not condemn the "adulterous and immoral woman", but He turns His focus on her sinful actions, to her ultimate FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION.

"Let anyone of you who is without (has never) sinned, throw the first stone....Jesus said to the woman: "Where are your accusers? Didn't they condemn you? 

"No Lord", she  said".

"Jesus said: "Neither do I, Go and sin no more."  John 8:7b, 10&11 (NIV/NLT)

 

2. SAMARITAN WOMAN

The woman at the well in John 4, was restored by Jesus, with words of SALVATION. She had been rejectd by the other people in her town, and yet she had been ACCEPTED by Jesus, who gave her "living water".

Jesus said: "Whoever drinks of the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbly (artesion) spring within them, giving them ETERNAL (endless) LIFE."

The woman said: "Sir, give me this water  so I won't ever get thirsty, won't ever have to come back to the well again (to draw water). 

He told her: "Go call your husband, and come back."

"I have no husband", she replied.

Jesus said to her: "You are right (that's nicely put)  "I have no husband". You've had 5 husbands and the man you are living with now isn't your husband. You spoke the truth, sure enough."   John 4:13-18 (NIV/MSG)

"Woman, Jesus replied, BELIEVE IN ME.....The time is coming when you will WORSHIP THE FATHER in Spirit and in TRUTH, and His worshippers mus worship in Spirit and IN TRUTH." John 4:21a & 23 (NIV)

3. RAHAB

Rahab  was a Gentile prostitute who bravely declared her FAITH IN GOD. She saved the Israelite spies, and they saved her family when the Israelites took over her country. She was merciful and kind to them - a woman of great FAITH - and God was merciful an forgave her sins. 

"Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up to the roof to talk to them. I know the Lord has given you this land , she told them. We are afraid of you.....For the Lord your God is the supreme God of Heaven above earth and below. Now promise me, by God, I showed you mercy; NOW SHOW MY FAMILY MERCY....save our souls from death" Joshua 2:8-11 (NLT/msg)

She married an Israelite, became the mother of Boaz, Ruth's husband and an ancestor of David, Solomon and Christ. 

If a woman recognizes that she needs God's restoration and salvation in her life; there are things she needs to CHANGE. And the same is true of a "unfaithful man".

They need:

* Solid Bible Teaching.

* Christian counselling.

* Support from her pastor and godly friends.

Most of all they need to ACCEPT GOD'S GRACE, to become beautiful people of God. 

Unfaithfulness is an example of a "wrong turn" but WISDOM will help you if you start to wander along the wrong paths that lead to darkness. 

Marriage is a "covenant made before God", a binding agreement that should not be broken. Adultery is equally wrong for men and women, and both lives can be "bruised and broken", along with their families. Bitterness is a deep anger that can result from unresolved conflict. eg. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse. If these relationships are not restored with FORGIVENESS, it can "grow and move on to other members of the family".

"In marriage a man (husband) becomes ONE FLESH with a woman (wife) - no longer two individuals, but forming a NEW UNITY (united into One). Because God created this ORGANIC UNION of the two sexes, what God has joined together,  let no one split apart."  Mark 10:7-9 (MSG/NLT)

"Join the company of good men and women. keep your feet on the tried and true path. It's the men who walk straight who will settle the land, the women with integrity who will last here." Proverbs 2:20&21 (MSG)

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION",  2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"THE MESSAGE - THE BIBLE IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE", 2018, Eugene H Peterson, Tyndale House Publishers. 

"No Stone Was Throne - A Song of Mercy and Redemption" - "A Woman Caught with Adultery" (John 8:1-11); 2025, Naomi Allen (Performer/Author), Inspirationals: Uplifting Every Heart/YouTube

"Come and See - A Powerful Gospel Song" - "The Woman at the Well" (John 4:13-23); 2025, Naomi Allen (Performer/Author) Inspirationals: Uplifting Every Heart/YouTube

"By Faith, I Choose to Believe - Rahab's Redemption Song", (2025) Naomi Allen (Performer/Author) Inspriratonals: Uplifting Every Heart/You Tube

PROVERBS 2: 12-15 - WISDOM WILL SAVE YOU

 

"Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way and walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked and their ways are wrong." Proverbs 2:12-15 (NLT)

                                   1. HE SPEAKS OF EVIL THINGS

Evil people walk along a narrow path and they may struggle if they are on their own. If they have a lack of control over their tongue they may be disrepectful, vulgar or deceirful.  Hopefully though, if remember that God is on our side, and gives us wisdom and understanding we may be SAFE!

"My son, do not lose sight of these, keep SOUND WISDOM AND DISCRETION."                                                                                                                     Proverbs 3:21 (ESV)

                              2. HE LEAVES THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

A young person may be brought up in a "godly environment, in righteousness". Even if they are brought up in a Christian home, attend Church or a Christian School regularly,  they may still make the wrong choices and follow a different path. They may "grow tired" of the "righteous path" and their steps may lead to "defiance".  It's important for us, as parents and grandparents to keep our children in prayer and guidance.

"One who is RIGHTEOUS is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Proverbs 12:26 (ESV)

                                    3.     HE WALKS IN WAYS OF DARKNESS

Avoid WRONG TURNS! Try not to follow the "bad directions". Wisdom will help you stop going of course, making "detours", that lead to " . Evil may look attractive, but it leads to darkness.

"In your life you need to navigate situations that require wisdom, that avoid damaging not only your life, but but others." Nicky Gumbel

                    

                                 4. HE FINDS PLEASURE IN DOING WRONG

A young person may finally be led on a path where they rejoice in evil. They "find pleasure in doing wrong". His conscience does not bother him and he enjoys sinful activities.

 In my day, I used to spend a lot of my time outdoors - riding my bike, climbing  trees. In the evening, my Dad would spend time with us, reading the Bible and telling us stories.  These days, my granddaughters spend more time on the computer or in front of the T.V.  I try to spend as much time as I can playinng games or drawing, but as they grow older, it is getting more difficult.  

" No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, abd He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the tenptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."                                                                                                                   1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

                        5. HE DELIGHTS IN THE WICKEDNESS OF OTHERS

The older they get, the more they delight in other people's wickedness. It becomes comfortable and "a way of life" they delight in. Finally, they become a slave to sin.  These people no longer have discretion and wisdom, but their ways become "crooked". We, as parents and mentors, need to help them look to God for direction. We need to show them how to take care on their PATHS.

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; TEACH ME YOUR PATHS. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the GOD OF MY SALVATION; for you I wait all day long." Psalm 25:4&5 (ESV)

In this Chapter, Solomon continually describes PATHS! WISDOM will save them from the WAYS OF THE WICKED MEN.  He helps them DISCERN THEIR PATHS AND TO CHOSE WISE WAYS! 

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" (2015), Tyndale House Translation

"THE HOLY BIBLE - ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION" (2001) Good News/Crossway Publishing

GUMBEL, Nicky, "Avoid Wrong Turns" - "Bible In One Year" (2009/2026), Alpha International/YouVersion

                                             

                                       

PROVERBS 2: SEARCHING FOR WISDOM

 

Proverbs 1 portrays general wisdom for anyone crying out and listening to the words of Solomon's father, David.  In Chapter 2, we learn more of "hidden wisdom"that is available to all of us who commit ourselves to the pursuit of following the TRUTH of GOD'S WORD in our lives.

"The WISDOM we speak of is the MYSTERY OF GOD - HIS PLAN that was previously hidden, even though He made it for our ULTIMATE GLORY before the world began." 1 Corinthians 2:7 (NLT)    

It is GOD'S WISDOM revealed in the WORD OF GOD in the person of JESUS CHRIST. Proverbs tells us that the  greatest treasre we can find in God's Word - IS KNOWING JESUS CHRIST.  

                

                  STORE UP GOD'S WORD IN YOU HEART

                                   Proverbs 2:1-11

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, TURNING YOUR EAR TO WISDOM and APPLYING YOUR HEART TO UNDERSTANDING."                                                                                         Proverbs 2:1&2 (NIV)   

  

1.  COMMITMENT   

* Store up GOD'S WORD within you.

* Accept it, listen and apply it, "call out and search for it". 

* Prioritize your TIME. Set a regular time for BIBLE STUDY and PRAYER. Make your     devotions and journaling a priority.

* We will have a deep relationship with Jesus - "a TREASURE CHEST FILLED WITH RICHES", as we search the Scriptures daily and learn more about GOD.        

* Like a prospector we need to search for silver and gold - our hidden treasure.

" If   you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, there then you will understand the FEAR OF THE LORD (understand what it means to respect the Lord), then you will know the Lord (find God). "                                                                                                            Proverbs 2:4&5 (ICB/NIV)

"What do you need to do to store up God's word in your heart? YOU NEED TO KNOW GOD BETTER. You need TO BE WISE and to develop a LIFELONG HABIT of READING and STUDYING HIS WORD. " Nicky Gumbel

"It is a challenge that is a high level committment - application, obedience, prayer, dedication to Jesus' enthusiastic and passionate service. We need to search the Scriptures daily so we can learn more about God and know Jesus" John & Janice Walsh

  2. GOD'S PROMISES

* You will find "knowledge of God".

* You  will grow in wisdom and understanding.

* You will have victory and protection, for God will watch over you.

"For the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)

"Wisdom is found in through KNOWING GOD. It is HARD WOK, but worth the effort." David Alexander

 "Help me Lord to spend time each day reading and studying your word. Help me to apply your teaching in my everyday life." Ruth Cheater

3. CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH

* Solomon warns us to heed (to listen and obey) GoD'S WORD, so that we will choose the "right paths".

* We need to keep asking God to help us make the right decisions in our life.

* Wisdom will save us from "wicked men" and "crooked paths".

"You will understand what is honest and fair, (right and just) what is the right thing to do - (every good path).  Wisdom will come to your mind (heart) and knowledge will be pleasing (to your soul).  Good sense (discretion) will protect you and understanding will guard you."  Proverbs 2:9-11 (NCV/NIV)

Yesterday, I went for a walk around the property we have our caravan on. It is the first time I have done this, and I was a little unsure about it. The ground was a little lumpy and I was a little scared of snakes, but Mark assured me, I need not be afraid. I kept looking at the ground, and I watched my steps and looked ahead. I didn't fall!!   As Dr Warren reminded me this morning:

"All I needed to do was put my right brain in gear, with God on my side, and trust in the GREAT PHYSICIAN. Scan the environment, survey the ground and remember, there's always another path". Dr Lee Warren.

 

' THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION" (2005) Thomas Nelson

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" (2011) Biblica

"INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BIBLE" (2015) Thomas Nelson

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" (2015) Tyndale House Publishers

GUMBEL , Nicky & Pippa -  "Store Up God's Word In Your Heart - Proverbs 2:1-11" - "The Bible in One Year" (2026), Alpha/YouVersion

ALEXANDER, Pat & David, 2009 , "The Lion Handbook to the Bible" - 4th Edition", Lion/Hudson Publishers

WALSH, John and Janice, "Successful Living- Proverbs 2" , 2000, Home Schooling

WARREN, Dr Lee, "This is War for You" , 2025, You Tube

         

"Wisdom is a Treasure - Proverbs 2:1-12" , 2025, CHRISTGraceTruth@www.youtube.com

"God's Words are My Treasure - Proverbs 2:1-11", 2025, Christian Music, Inspired Worship, ForeverDisciples,YouTube.