Proverbs 3:1-12
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION ®. NIV®. COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by
Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Discussion Questions
- We’re told in this passage that if we follow God’s ways, then we will experience blessings. Why do we often struggle to believe that?
- Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the most famous passages in the entire book. We’re told to trust in the Lord, to not depend on our understanding, but to submit our ways to God. What do you think some differences could be between our understanding, and our ways, and the ways of God?
- Why do you think it is often so hard to trust in God’s ways?
- What does this passage teach us about our resources (see verses 9-10)? Why do we need to use our resources to reflect our dependence on God? What is the typical way to use money, time, and energy?
- What does God’s willingness to correct us say about him? What does it say about us?
- How does this section in Proverbs help us better appreciate our Lord Jesus Christ?