The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 3:5-15, “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.
9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof,
12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.”

The implications of Solomon’s words are heavy. First, he tells us to have complete confidence in the LORD for all things. Then subsequently, he advises us against being “wise” in our own thinking. The two thoughts merge to our benefit.

“Fearing the LORD” may also be translated as “reverencing” (????? yare) Him. Parents want to be loved and trusted regarding the directions they give their children. Godly children want to “reverence” their parents by obeying them. Simultaneously, they “fear” the consequence of failing to obey. It is much the same with us in our relationship with the LORD.

Doubtlessly, you’ve heard the expression: “You cannot out-give the LORD.” How true that is! We are to “honor Him (with) our wealth.” The Hebrew word for “wealth” is ???? hon, a word that leaves its meaning largely to the one using it.

I read only recently that David Green, owner of Hobby-Lobby said that he did not view himself as “wealthy.” Whether he is “wealthy” depends upon those with whom he would compare his wealth. In any event, we cannot out-give the LORD.

As with parents, the LORD issues “discipline” to those who are His. We almost always think of discipline as meaning punishment. Yet, the Hebrew word ?????? musar is in Scripture some 20 times translated “instruction.” So, we do well and are blessed if we obey the “discipline” of the LORD. Who would ever guess he could do better? Certainly not anyone who has read Proverbs three!

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