The Strand Study Bible

PROVERBS

957

PROVERBS

shall always have the “benefit” of it. Want to work smarter, not harder? Then get wisdom ( Eccl 10:10 ). The beauty of this benefit of wisdom is that it enables you to work smarter, not harder ( Mt 5:25 ). An obstruction is an obstacle (a hindrance) that keeps you from getting where you need to be. Note some of the many obstacles found in life: 1. personality (Gen 4:1-2 and 25:24-27) *Talkative by nature? It could be a hindrance (Prov 17:28) *Friendly by nature? It could be a hindrance (Prov 25:17) *Combative by nature? It could be a hindrance (Prov 26:4-5) *Loud by nature? It could be a hindrance (Prov 27:14) 2. physical (Lev 21:16-24) Just because you’re called doesn’t mean you’re called to lead. 3. life (Judges 11:1-3) Although life itself can be a obstacle, wisdom clears the path. 4. money (Eccl 5:10-12, Mt 6:19-24 and II Ki 5:15-27) Money can certainly be an obstacle that keeps you from being where God wants you to be spiritually. 5. the world (Exo 16:1-3, I Jn 2:15-17 and II Tim 4:10) The world will call to you and beg you to follow its paths, but only the wisdom of God can keep you from going there. This expression ( health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones ) is metaphorical and denotes the complete overall health of those who give God the “last say” in their life (Job 21:22-24). Matthew Henry in Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes: The prudence, temperance, and sobriety, the calmness and composure of mind, and the good government of the appetites and passions, which religion teaches, tend very much not only to the health of the soul, but to a good habit of body, which is very desirable, and without which our other enjoyments in this world are insipid. 1 Simply put, to obey God is healthy (Deut 28:1-14); to disobey Him is unhealthy (Deut 28:15-68). For example: *God tells us to confess our sins (Prov 28:13 and Jms 5:16). To do so is healthy (Psa 51:1-12). Not to do so is unhealthy (Psa 32:1-3). *God tells us to please Him, not ourselves (to live by faith; to give Him the “last say” in our lives – Heb 11:6). To do so is healthy (II Ki 5:9-14 and Jn 9:1-7). Not to do so is unhealthy (Exo 22:28 and Num 12). Even the Apostle Paul knew this to be true (Acts 23:1-5). Our relationship with God (our yielding to the authorities that God has placed over us in our lives – Heb 13:17 ) must become more important to us than our pride. *God tells us to speak well of people or not to speak at all ( Prov 16:27 -28 and Job 13:5). To do so is healthy ( Prov 12:18 ). Not to do so is unhealthy (Eccl 10:20). This word ( Happy ) is a Hebrew word that is plural in number and very expressive. It means “ Oh the blessednesses ” upon those who find wisdom. Thus, the man who has found wisdom is supremely blessed; he’s happy (Prov 8:33-35 & 16:16 & 29:18). *Question: Can a man be poor and still be happy? God says he can (Prov 15:16 & 28:14 and Psa 128:1-2). The truly rich ( blessed ) aren’t those who have the most; they are those who need the least (Psa 37:16 and Prov 16:8). What is it that you have to have? Wealth or wisdom? Gold or God? You say, “Why can’t it be both?” Because Jesus says it can’t be both (Mt God says he can (Prov 14:21). Did not Jesus Himself say in Acts 20:35 that it was more blessed to give than to receive? The truly rich ( blessed ) aren’t those who have the most; they are those who give the most (Prov 14:21). Do you live to give or get? *Question: Can a man serve others and still be happy? God says he can (I Ki 10:1-8). The truly rich ( blessed ) aren’t those who have the most; they are those who serve the most (Jn 13:12-17 and II Cor 8:9). Do you live to serve or be served? *Question: Can a man who gets corrected by God still be happy? God says he can (Job 5:17). The truly rich ( blessed ) aren’t those who have the most; they are those who take the most correction (II Sam 12:1-13/Psa 51:1-13, Jms 5: 10- 11 and I Pet 3:14). Do you live to take instruction or do you just want to give it? *Question: Can a man who walks with God still be happy? God says he can (Prov 28:6). The truly rich ( blessed ) aren’t those who have the most; they are those who need the Word (Psa 1:1-3 and Prov 16:20). Do you live to walk with God or with men? Who’s “word” do 6:24). Do you live to be prosperous or prudent? *Question: Can a man give and still be happy?

6th benefit of wisdom – Health (Prov 3:7-8)

7th benefit of wisdom – Happiness (Prov 3:13-15)