Background Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12
Lesson Context: The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon. The first section begins with an explanation of the importance of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-7). After the introduction, most of that section is written from the perspective of a father advising his son on the importance of seeking wisdom from the Lord.
1. One Law (Proverbs 3:1-2).
A. Remembering Commands (v. 1)
1a. “My son, forget not my law.” The son is told to forget not his father’s law because of possible risks that such forgetfulness might incur. Similarly, the Israelites were warned the same regarding God’s love and His covenant with them (see Deuteronomy 4:23).
1b. “But let thine heart keep my commandments.” Most modern day perspectives consider the heart the emotional center of a person. Such views believe this emotional center lacks the capacity for rational guidance or direction. In the Old Testament, however, the heart refers to a person’s inner being.
B. Promise of Life (v. 2).
2. “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” When a child honors his or her parents, the days of that child “may be long upon the land thy God giveth thee.” The promise of a long life stands in contrast to the promise that whoever “pursueth evil pursueth it to …death” (Proverbs 11:19. The wicked person does not follow the commands of God.
ll. Two Virtues (Proverbs 3:3-4)
A. Bind and Write (v.3)
3a. “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee.” Mercy and truth are key words in the Old Testament, especially regarding the attributes of God. Mercy frequently refers to God’s loyalty and commitment toward His people. God’s mercy is rooted in His faithfulness. His mercy seeks redemption and safety for God’s people. Truth conveys the idea of reliability.
The father’s concern is not only his son’s behavior: the father also desires to see the son’s heart transformed.
3b. “Bind them about thy neck: write them upon the table of thine heart.” In biblical times, necklaces were signs or rank texamples. To bind something around one’s neck revealed the importance and significance of that item to the wearer. The command to write mercy and truth upon the table of the heart is another example of figurative language.
B. Promise of Favor (v. 4):
4. “So shalt thou find favour and good standing in the sight of God and man.” To find favour in a person means to hold that person in high regard.
References: David Guzik: Study of Proverbs, International Sunday School Lessons, KJV 2023-2024