“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12
Those who trust in God and the promises of His Word willingly accept the LORD’s chastening and correction, even though it may be unpleasant (He may afflict us or take from us our goods, health, or loved ones) because we know He, as our loving Heavenly Father, is working for our good to keep us in the true faith and trusting in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Grant that I willingly endure Your discipline, O LORD, and hold fast to the promises of Your Word unto life everlasting. Amen.
“Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
When we truly fear, love, and trust in the LORD God, our Maker and Redeemer, we will honor Him with all we possess and give and devote to Him our best, trusting that He will provide more than enough to meet our needs.
Forgive me, O LORD, for my failures to love, trust, and honor You above all things. I pray in the name of Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself as a perfect sacrifice for my sins. Amen.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8
We often feel that we know better than the LORD God and His Word. However, the Scriptures admonish us not to be wise in our own eyes, but rather to fear and respect the LORD God, listen to His Word, repent of the sin and evil in our lives, and seek God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s innocent suffering and death in our stead. That will bring health to our bodies and strength to our bones.
O LORD God, Your Word is right, and I am wrong when I go my own way. Pardon my sin for the sake of Christ Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, and lead me to walk in accordance with Your holy Word. Amen.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We are willing to trust the LORD when His Word coincides with our desires and thinking, but not so much when it doesn’t. True wisdom tells us to trust the LORD with all our hearts in everything and not to depend upon our understanding. It urges us to acknowledge the LORD, our Maker, in all our ways and to trust in Him to direct our paths.
O LORD, grant me the wisdom to trust You fully in all things and to walk in Your ways rather than my own. Amen.
“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1-2
We often think of God’s commandments as restrictive, keeping us from the joys of life, but they are truly for our good and protect us from harm and ruin. Heeding the commandments of the LORD brings “length of days,” “long life,” and “peace.”
Grant me wisdom, O LORD, that I would obey Your commandments and live my life for You. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, my only hope and Redeemer. Amen.
