The Grands Letter (Pro/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on July 25, 2021 5:47 am (CST)Dear Grands,
Proverbs 3:1-8, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.”
“Didn’t I tell you this would happen if you ignored what I said?” Good advice; I should have listened. Ignoring sound teaching always results in trouble.
The wisdom of Solomon is clearly displayed in these verses. He is aware that his teachings can be neglected to the hurt of his son; thus, immediately following Solomon cites the value in keeping his commandments. Young lives are restless. All too often they neglect the proven truths they’ve been taught. Length of day; years of life. What does that matter to a young life. Youth tend to believe they will live forever.
Kindness and truth are uppermost, according to Solomon. Kept in the heart, they promise to preserve life. They promise the discovery of “favor and good repute” (wisdom, insight ??????) “in the sight of God and man.”
Solomon then advocates total trust in the LORD –trust in the One who is stronger than man. Listen to Him! Solomon warns: Don’t be a wise-guy, who thinks he knows it all. “Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”
This “turn away from evil” ranks extremely high with the LORD. He is competent to affect healing, but He demands “change” in our lifestyles. Often, when in dire circumstances, we cry out to the LORD, promising to change. Yet, once we’ve experienced His healing, we slip from those promises; so He allows it all to affect our lives again.
When our promises are sincere, His results are guaranteed. Healing comes to the body, and our very bones experience “refreshment.” How good it feels when the aches and soreness are gone! The LORD’s discipline has subsided; and it will remain so, unless we again forget what we promised.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom