Does “the Lord will be your confidence” describe the Lord as the source of confidence or his nearness at one’s side?
Proverbs 3:26 And how does this relate to the promise that God guards the believer’s path and feet (Prov. 3:23, 26)?
Proverbs 3:1 - 35
ESV - 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.
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Billy P Eldred
Supporter
In my opinion, Proverbs 3 is Solomon, in his wisdom given by God, teaching his son (and all who read it) life lessons about how to live not just a life that will bring him prosperity and happiness, but one pleasing to God. He is further teaching that when you live a life pleasing to God, you will win favor from God, and prosperity will be one of the blessings of that favor. Notice in verse 2, the son is told that living as this proverb commands will "add years to your life". This, to me, helps explain the fifth commandment in the ten commandments (Exodus 20:12): [12] “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. In both of these verses, it seems we are promised long life. I don't believe that is the case. Rather, if we live as Proverb 3 teaches us, we will BRING honor to our parents as well as please God, and at the same time, by avoiding evil, we will be more likely to live a long life. Whether we lived in the days of Solomon or today, if we live a life of crime or evil, we bring dishonor to our parents and increase the likelihood that our lives will be shortened. When we live a life that pleases God and let our "confidence" in Him lead us, I believe He will warn us of dangers that could get us killed. Also, there are always consequences to sin. Avoiding sin lengthens the average lifespan of those who please God, bringing to fulfillment both Proverbs 3 and Exodus 20:12. I know that some have had parents who they feel don't deserve to be honored. I personally don't believe God is telling us to honor them anyway. He is telling us to live lives that bring them honor just because they brought us into the world. In the same way, Proverbs 3 is not promising us that we will all live to old ages because we follow the teachings here. We sometimes do stupid things that put our life in danger, and sometimes we miss those warnings God sent us to avoid danger. Those who fall victim should in no way affect our confidence that living to please God should bring us. After all, eternal life is a pretty big extension! In conclusion, follow the teachings of Proverbs 3, please God, have confidence that you will find prosperity and live a very long life. If you do so, you will find happiness on this earth and in the life to come!
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