Exhortations to Obedience
April 9, 2019
Commentary
“The law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). The law was truth but it was truth without grace. The believer is under grace and not under the law (Romans 6:14). However, he who loves the Lord will certainly want to do His will which is revealed by the law (vv. 1-2).
Loving kindness will demonstrate the truth while a judging spirit will keep the timid from receiving it (v. 3). Those who are obedient to God’s commands will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man (v. 4). He that trusts in his own heart is a fool (Prov. 28:26) but happy is the man whose trust is in the Lord (vv. 5-6). Confidence in one’s own self is like sitting in a broken chair. God promises to guide those who put their utter confidence in Him. To be wise in our own eyes is the very opposite of “leaning not unto our own understanding (vv. 7-8).”
To be walking with the Lord and walking in that which His word condemns is impossible. The path of blessing is the path of obedience. Throughout this passage it has been made plain that the heart of a man’s wisdom is based upon a proper relationship to God (vv. 9-10). Correction is a vital part of discipline God doesn’t punish us because he enjoys inflicting pain but because He is deeply concerned about our development. He knows that in order to become morally strong we must learn the difference between right and wrong.. His loving discipline enables us to do that (vv. 11-12).
Application
If I refuse to repent when God identifies some sin in my life he may use guilt, crisis or some bad experience to bring me back to himself. Obedience is truly the very best way.
Proverbs 3:1– 12 (NET)
1 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for they will provide a long and full life, and well-being for you.
3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self.
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Illustration: A Kings Invitation is Not to Be Answered But Obeyed
Sir Leonard Wood once visited the King of France and the King was so pleased with him he was invited for dinner the next day. Sir Leonard went to the palace and the King meeting him in one of the halls, said, “Why, Sir Leonard, I did not expect to see you. How is it that you are here?” “Did not your majesty invite me to dine with you?” said the astonished guest. “Yes,” replied the King, “but you did not answer my invitation."Then it was that Sir Leonard Wood uttered one of the choicest sentences of his life. He replied, “A king’s invitation is never to be answered, but to be obeyed.” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #8553).