The Value of Wisdom in Building Relationships
April 2, 2022
Commentary
The opening “my son” shows a plea for the son to embrace qualities that are valuable. Compare verse 21 with (Prov. 4:21). We see here it is not enough to know the truth but notice it is to be kept (v. 21) and not disregarded. We are to take a hold of what God has revealed so it has control of our thoughts and actions. To maintain sound wisdom and discretion is to lay hold on what is really life (v. 22).
This passage (vv. 22-26) mentions the benefits of doing what (v. 21) says. They are:
Life – (v. 22)Safety – (v. 23)Avoidance of troubles – (v. 23)Peaceful sleep – (v. 24)Take away fear when the wicked come – (v. 25)Confidence in the future – (v. 26) Avoiding the traps of the wicked – (v. 26)The foot will be kept from stumbling (v. 23) and rest and refreshment (v. 24) will become the portion of those who esteem the Word of God above the thoughts of men.
Application
Today would be a good time to pray asking the Lord for wisdom in life and the decisions I will make. Have each member of the family list some of the decisions they will need to make.
Proverbs 3:21– 26 (NET)
21 My child, do not let them escape from your sight; safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.
22 So they will become life for your soul, and grace around your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way with security, and you will not stumble.
24 When you lie down you will not be filled with fear; when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction overtakes the wicked;
26 for the Lord will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.
Illustration: Edison Uses The Telegraph to Propose to His Sweetheart
As a boy, Thomas Edison learned telegraphy. Later, after he had become a successful inventor, he used his ability at the telegraph key to send a proposal of marriage to his sweetheart, Mina Miller. Edison’s first wife died when he was thirty-seven. Later, he met Mina, a young and lovely lady. Edison taught Mina the Morse code, and after he had learned it, he tested her with a message tapped out with a coin. Mina decoded the “message,” which was really a marriage proposal, and tapped out her acceptance. Not the most romantic proposal in history, but certainly as effective as any on record. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #1962).