# 25 2016 Dev. Pr.3:3 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Proverbs 3:3
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.”
The purpose of Proverbs is clearly laid out in the prologue (Pr. 1:2-7) summarized here: “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding, insight; doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning… The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction.” Generally speaking, in our time Proverbs is a world and life view that glorifies God, resulting in a long, peaceful and satisfied life that shines the light of Jesus Christ to all those around us.
Ch. 3 is labeled in the NIV as: “Further Benefits of Wisdom” and is part of a larger section consisting of Ch. 1-4. This section is about all the benefits of practicing wisdom. This is always an important section for all of us but particularly so for Father’s Day. The emphasis is on parental guidance: “Listen my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (ch.1:8).
The verse for this week is in the context of a father’s instruction: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Ch.3:1,2). Verse 3 the father (and mother) encourages his/her son (and daughter) to practice love and faithfulness. Wear it like a necklace; a diamond studded necklace dazzling, of great value and obvious to everyone you meet. Daily practice impresses love and faithfulness on our hearts; practice turns into a good habit.
Before love and faithfulness moves down into our hearts it resides in our minds as God’s wisdom found only in the Word of God. From our minds, by the power of the Holy Spirit love and faithfulness moves into our hearts. From our hearts it becomes a life style because then by God’s grace we are empowered to live love and faithfulness. Praise the Lord!
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