Pro Verbs 3:13-26

The middle part of Chapter 3:

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who obtains understanding.
For her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are very pleasant,
and all her paths are peaceful.
She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.
By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.
By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,
and the clouds drip down dew.
My child, do not let them escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.
So they will give life to you,
and grace to adorn your neck.
Then you will walk on your way with security,
and you will not stumble.
When you lie down you will not be filled with fear;
when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.
You will not be afraid of sudden disaster,
or when destruction overtakes the wicked;
for the Lord will be the source of your confidence,
and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.

It’s time to answer the 3 questions:

1. What happened in the text?
2. What do I learn about God?
3. What should I do about it?

Here’s how I answered the 3 questions:

1. What happened in the text?
   The value of wisdom in living an enjoyable life is extolled.
2. What do I learn about God?
   Creation was made by his wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
   With wisdom in place in a life, God provides confidence.
   God guards a person’s step when they live by His wisdom.
3. What should I do about it?
   Get wisdom!
   These are strikingly pleasant descriptions. I have said before that this kind of input into my mind is part of what I need to do, and it strikes me that another aspect of this is that I can’t compartmentalize where I want wisdom to flow. It needs to dictate what I do at my workplace, in my family, in my neighborhood, and in my church.

If you’re reading this and have the night-sweats and bad dreams, consider what this passage promises about pleasant sleep and lying down without fear, even in disaster. And I’ll try to remember this for when the next storm blows through my life.