Guidance

James 3:17 NKJV

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Word for the Journey

In one translation, the title of Proverbs 3 is “Guidance for the Young.” Another translation reads “Trusting in the Lord,” and another calls it “The Rewards of Wisdom.”

There is so much wisdom, healing, peace, and direction given in this one chapter. On the journey we travel with the Lord, we need the wisdom from above, not earthly wisdom. All that we need to stand in the evil day comes from the Word. So, as we read it, we should expect to get what we need, including guidance.

Guidance for the Young

Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP

“Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”

In my office at work, I have this scripture posted in two places. One is posted facing the people, so when they sit to talk with me, they see it. The other is taped to the bottom of one of my computer monitors, so as I work, I see it. 

This is a heart posture and a reminder that as I represent Christ, what should be shown to the people is His love. Leading with mercy, kindness, and truth is showing His love. Then I have favor- first with God, then with man. 

It can definitely be challenging to do at times, but if we let those three define us, the result is His light shining through us to others. Whether at work or at home. Regardless of whether we feel they deserve kindness or not. This helps us fulfill the greatest commandments: love God and love others. After all, mercy, kindness, and truth are three qualities that characterize Jesus, and we are called to be like Him.

The Reward of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:7-8 NKJV

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. ⁸ It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

The NLT version says, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom…”

If we are wise in our own eyes (impressed with our own wisdom) we’re confident in ourselves and we see no reason to seek the Lord or receive counsel. We also do not receive correction when it is given- it causes us to become offended and hold onto bitterness.

Now, how is it that we receive healing to our body if we do not see that we are wise in our own eyes?

Saints… it is stressful to figure out what to do about everything in our lives daily! Just to figure out what to do for ourselves, let alone our spouses, children, co-workers, extended family, etc., can be difficult. This proverb shows that because we don’t know everything, we are to lean on and trust the Lord (also in verse 5). Otherwise, stress, anxiety, worry, and fear eat at our bodies and minds, which results in sickness and infirmity. Yes, those things cause sickness. There are many disorders due to stress, fear, and anxiety. The Lord did not make us or design us to know everything and handle all situations on our own or in our own way.

Pride is blinding the Saints. This is a call to humility.

That’s what the scripture is showing us. If we’re so proud that we cannot see, hear, or receive wise counsel (from our leaders and the Holy Spirit), the path we’re on is leading us straight to hell. We don’t know everything, and we definitely do not know what the Holy Spirit is saying if we’re leaning only on our own wisdom. The Word says to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and ALL things will be added. It is a command; it is not optional.

Proverbs 3:21-22 NKJV

²¹ My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; ²² So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.

Guidance:

• Let mercy, kindness and truth define you

• Fear the Lord and depart from evil

• Keep sound wisdom and discretion

Promise:

• Favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man

• Health to your flesh, and strength to your bones

• Life to your soul and grace to your neck

Trust in the Lord and be blessed

Proverbs 3:31-33 AMP

³¹ Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.  ³² For the devious are repulsive to the Lord; But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. ³³ The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just and righteous.

As I think about this passage, I’m reminded of what we read at the beginning of the Bible with all the kings. Many times, they appeared prosperous and successful because the Lord showed them mercy and allowed them to remain in their positions for a time. But over and over again we read, “This king did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” They did not trust in the Lord, yet the Lord didn’t remove them immediately. This is mercy!! Still, there was a curse on their house, as Proverbs 3:33 says. Ramifications accompanied the evil influences, and ultimately, they affected the generations that followed.

Even if we don’t see in the moment how the Lord is dealing with the wicked, He is, in fact, dealing with them. Our role is to be still, follow the ways of the Lord, and pray, being careful not to follow the disastrous ways of those seen as wicked in the sight of the Lord. A lack of this understanding leads to pride and the spiritual implications that can span generations. As it was then, so it is now.

Without wisdom from above, self becomes the reference point, and inevidably we misread success and comfort as God’s approval.
When we’re not actively seeking the Lord’s mind through His Word and His Spirit:

• We start to trust what we see, feel, and think more than what God has said.

• Our own understanding becomes the standard (Proverbs 3:5–7), and that’s exactly what Scripture warns against: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.”

This is pride~ living as though our perspective is sufficient without God’s.

This is dangerous in the life of the believer. The lack of wisdom from above doesn’t just leave a neutral empty space; it creates a vacuum that pride rushes in to fill.

When we are not shaped, corrected, and guided by God’s wisdom, we will inevitably be shaped by our own wisdom and worldly ideologies —and Scripture clearly calls that pride.

Let us adhere and be cautious.

I encourage us all to read Proverbs 3 and receive from it. I pray we meditate on this chapter, and as we abide, may we sincerely ask Him to impart in us what we need- the removal of pride and the transferance of wisdom from above. I pray we have a heart posture to receive guidance from the Word and Holy Spirit, and with it, the promise of peace, favor, and health.

Encouragement for the Journey

James 3:13-17 AMP

“Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.