Proverbs 3:11-35.
The word "chastening" in verse 11 is perhaps better translated "instruction"; it means also warning, correction or discipline, and "correction" at the end of the verse is rather "reproof." To "despise" the instruction or correction of the Lord, is not to make little of it, as though it were something of no account and contemptible, but the word used here has the sense of loathing, rejecting with abhorrence. The believer is not to refuse the Lord's instruction, nor be weary of His reproof. Obedience is a hard lesson for some of us to learn, and by nature we are disobedient. (See Psalm 32:8, 9).
Whom He loves, He chastens, and of this the Hebrew Christians had to be reminded (Hebrews 12:5-13), and so do we in this day who know Christ as our Saviour. It is the son in whom He delighteth that the father corrects.
We may compare this with the interest of the Father in the fruit bearing branches in John 15: 2, for the Father now judges His children; by and by the Son will judge the world.
Turning back to our key verse, chapter 1, verse 7, we see the meaning of verse 13,
"Happy (or blessed) is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
It is not the wisdom spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1:17, 19, 20, 22, 26; but that of verse 30 in that chapter. The gain of this wisdom and understanding is better than the precious things of this world for which men and women strive so hard all their lives (verses 14, 15).
How alluring the description of this heavenly wisdom is in verses 15 to 18. "All the things thou canst desire are not equal unto her" (wisdom looked at here as a person), and all that makes for happiness and life—even everlasting life (verse 18) is found in her.
Shame on us who have confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and believed in our heart that God bath raised Him from the dead, that we do not value nearly as much as we should this true wisdom. The people of this world are far more in earnest about the things the world has to give them, than the children of God are in seeking the things that concern Him (See 2 Peter 3:18).
God by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the deeps were broken up (see Genesis 7:11), and the skies drop down the dew. This sound wisdom and discretion, garnered from the Bible, God's written Word, is the safeguard of the believer as he passes through a wicked world.
What security, what calmness, in such a troubled scene, is confidently assured to those who trust in Him, in verses 23-26!
Verses 27 to 31 speak of our relationships with men, for the knowledge of a Saviour God teaches us right ways toward our fellowmen as well as toward God.
God has a perfect judgment concerning the wicked; they are an abomination to Him (verse 32). His secret is however with the upright (see Psalm 25:14); they know Him and what pleases Him.
God distinguishes those that fear Him, and He blesses them, and gives grace to the lowly.
Verse 35 tells the end of the course, and here there are two classes still, but they are now described like the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, as "wise" and "foolish,"—wise, because they gave heed to God's Word; or foolish, because they scorned that Word, and met His inevitable judgment.
Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1932