Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  (7)  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.  (8)  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

Proverbs 3:5-8 

Explanation:

We make decisions every day.  Even though we may not make life changing decisions every day, the daily decisions we make do affect our lives.  Often the most life changing decisions we make are ones that we did not know would come.  They are not on our calendars.  But these decisions come to us, and we have to make a choice.

The Bible clearly teaches that it is foolishness to try to make decisions in life based on our own wisdom and understanding.  This is a theme in the book of Proverbs.  Consider Pro 16:25.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Proverbs 16:25

In today’s text, there are two parts- the command and the results. 

First, let’s talk about the command in this text.  There is the command to adopt an attitude and action.  Solomon pleads with his son to adopt an attitude of submission to the wisdom and revelation of God (v. 5-6a).  If the Lord says it, even if it does not make sense to you, hear it and obey it.  Lean into what the Lord says and not into what you think.  Do not be wise only from your own perspective and way of thinking(v. 7).  Acknowledge the Lord in every decision (v. 6a).

Next, let’s talk about the results.  When his son adopts this attitude, there will be two results. 

1. Direction.  When we adopt God’s wisdom, trust Him, and acknowledge Him in all our decisions, we will be guided down the right path.  We will have direction for life. 

2. Health.  Remember, this is a probability and general result and not a universal promise.  He is not saying that those who trust in the Lord will never get sick.  He is saying that there are healthy  outcomes for those who obey.  The person who trusts the Lord when it comes to God’s commands and teaching about sex need never worry about sexually transmitted diseases.  The person who trusts God’s Word about drunkenness will never face the consequences of driving drunk or destroying their liver.  I’ve heard it said that when God says don’t, he is saying don’t hurt yourself.  There is wisdom in this statement.

Application:

Do we want right direction and health for our lives?  If we do then we cannot ignore these principles.  You can fight against these principles, but you will not like the outcome.  Conversely, think about this.  The God of the Universe has given you His wisdom.  The Designer has given us insight into living in the world He designed.  We are limited in our knowledge, experience, and perspective.  God is infinite!  Out of His infinity He has revealed Himself in the Word and through His Son.  Let us hear, trust, and obey what He says!   

Response:

• How can you acknowledge God today in your decisions?
• Where do you need to trust God more today?