10/2/2019 LESSONS OF THE HEART
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. [New International translation]
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. [New International translation]
Summary:
The Book of Proverbs has been called “the wise sayings of King Solomon.” Solomon, the son of King David, received his wisdom from GOD. 1 Kings 4:29 states that GOD gave Solomon wisdom and understanding that exceeded the wisdom of all those in the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. He was the wisest man of his time. (1 Kings 4:31) Solomon’s wisdom was as “measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29) He wrote 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs. (1Kings 4:32).
Some might say Solomon's great wisdom and understanding were a “gift” and a “responsibility.” It was not for self-gratification or self-aggrandizement. Solomon’s wisdom was for service. Knowing that he would one day become King, Solomon asked GOD (in a dream) for the wisdom to be a good leader and a good teacher to GOD’s people. And because Solomon loved GOD and had a heart for service, GOD answered Solomon’s prayer. 1 Kings 3:12.
And so Solomon began to study. Solomon “applied himself “and searched for understanding about “everything in the universe.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-15) He was passionate about learning. He put “his heart” into the task. It wasn’t magical. It was hard work. After great effort and study, Solomon wrote what he had learned. Much of what he learned is contained in his proverbs.
The lessons of Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 23:15 are “lessons of the heart.” Mindful of human nature, and the tendency of students or children to think “they know it all,” “to ignore the instruction of a teacher,” “to not listen” or “to let their passions lead them in the wrong direction,” Solomon basically reminds the children of Israel and all humanity to “guard the heart.” Don’t fall in love with things or the sound of your own voice. According to Solomon, listening and trusting GOD is like drinking water for life. GOD’s WORD is a fountain of knowledge. It is a wellspring. GOD’s WORD is a recipe for a good life.
According to Solomon, when we love GOD (i.e., when we get the heart right), then everything else falls in place. As our ancestors put it: “Give GOD your best (your heart and hands; and be willing to serve) and HE will do the rest.” We just need to have a heart for GOD.