Proverbs 3:1-4 – The Rewards of Wisdom
1
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.
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Jesus Christ told His disciples, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit” (John 15:5). As we carry out the Lord’s plans through the power of His Spirit, our lives will have significance, and two practices will characterize us.
1.
Treasuring God’s Word in our hearts. When
we value something, we think about it often, study it regularly, and
learn all we can about it. By studying the Bible, we learn many
important things about our God, including His character, plan, and
promises. Regular Scripture meditation develops our ability to think
biblically and deepens our relationship with the Lord. One of the
indications that we treasure His Word is a change in behavior:
Decisions will increasingly be guided by His principles, and actions
will reflect the fruit of the Spirit. (See
Gal. 5:22-23.)
2.
Adorning ourselves with kindness and truth. These
two virtues are to be our constant companions on the Christian walk.
God’s truth has the power to expose ungodly attitudes and
behaviors. When this happens, the presence of kindness helps to
protect relationships from damage; it can also prevent discord and
division in churches. The Lord wants us to speak the truth to one
another—but to temper it with loving compassion.
The
Christian life is a journey filled with temptations, obstacles, and
difficulties that are common to man (1 Peter
4:12).
At the same time, it is to be characterized by the fruitfulness that
comes from following Jesus Christ, our guide.
Blessings...........
[From my study notes dated 01/04/2018]