Proverbs 3:1-12, The Secret of Soul Care – Part II

Posted on Posted in Devotions Tagged with ,

January 24, Proverbs 3:1-12

John 10:10; Eph. 6:3 Let no Law but God’s bind my heart.

The Secret of Soul Care – Part II

D. Thomas calls these verses (1-10) “the Philosophy of Health and Happiness.” Maclaren titles this passage as “The Secret of Wellbeing.” These verses reaffirm the message of all Scripture that there is “a goodness that secures long life and happiness.”

  1. It Condemns. Unhappily, much false teaching has shamefully exploited what is true for filthy lucre (1 Tim. 3:3). Truth has been distorted by some deceitful preachers to swindle millions of dollars from gullible listeners who trust them as men of God. They claim to be able to impart the secret of “Heath, Wealth and Happiness.” They tell their trusting listeners that all they have to do is to “Name it (Tell God what you want!) and claim it,” and they’ll get it. First, however, you must send a generous donation (seed-money) to the preacher or it won’t work! Popes, past and present, have been justly condemned for proclaiming indulgences, for a price. Are not these phony preaches, who are certainly as guilty of trafficking in immortal souls, justifiably condemned?
  2. It Commends. Wisdom calls for wholeheartedness in all our dealings with God. It demands a bold, total, and faithful submission of the heart to Him. “Let thine heart, like the ark of testimony, be the keeping-place of God’s commandments” (Bridges). Simply put, it commends obedience from the heart, that is, a hearty obedience to God’s Law. “In a world ruled by a Good Being, obedience must lead to well-being” (Maclaren). This too, is a general truth, for there are, what appear to be, exceptions (Eccl. 9:2; Heb. 12:5-6). The wicked sometimes live long lives, and the godly don’t live our half their days (10:27). The wicked die in outward pomp, and the godly in outward poverty, yet length of days is God’s promise to the godly. Many health experts today acknowledge a correlation between health of body and health of soul (Isa. 5:24; 1 Tim. 4:8). Body vigour rests on moral virtue!
  3. It Completes. Again and again we are reminded that nothing less than a complete heart-change, a heart conformed to the will of God, is required. We may be excused for pursuing this heart-emphasis. What is involved here is much more than head-clutter. Torah also means to shoot and then to teach. Thus God, as it were, teaches by shooting His arrows into our hearts! Our response to God’s Word must completely encompass the whole person, body and soul. It needs to penetrate the hidden depths of the heart, “those hidden springs of action.” What the heart loves it doesn’t easily forget, but keeps what it loves and discard what is hates. The inner man’s delight (Rom. 7:22) stamps a quality upon every task so done. The heart, being also the first to wander from God, must, therefore, be the first to be brought back. Is it not here that our danger lies, as well as our duty? The reward of obedience completed heartily, is long life, and God’s gracious gift.

Thought: Conformity to the letter would be hypocrisy if the heart were not in it.

Prayer: “O for a heart to praise my God; a heart from sin set free.”