Lessons from Proverbs 3: Finding Wisdom and Peace

An Interesting Blast From the Past

Computers: The Inside Story

Our parents used to get us puzzles and books for Christmas morning gifts. They kept us busy during the winter vacations. I kept this puzzle because it says a lot to me, and it’s one of my favorite puzzles that my mom got us (after Dad died]. It poses the question: “Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?”

The yellow box on the left says:

QUESTION DOES NOT COMPUTE..?

INSUFFICIENT DATA…

WHICH ROAD????

WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN????

Mom retired from teaching in 1986, saying it wasn’t fun anymore. Part of her decision had to do with computers coming in. She frustrated my daughter because she never had an email address, and never had a computer. My daughter wanted to communicate more; she did email, grandma spent Sunday evenings writing letters to everyone in the family.

I’m not sure exactly when we got this puzzle, but it’s a comical look at the age-old question. The creator of this puzzle is Karen Ravn. There’s so much going on in this picture, it may not be much less in number than all the connections in a hard drive today! I know it was published way before Google made its debut or everyone had their own home-computer!

SO… what does this puzzle have to do with Proverbs 3? Human knowledge, wisdom, and understanding? Compared to God-inspired wisdom.

PROVERBS CHAPTER 3

Last post, I mentioned that I’m using VOM’s Pray for the Persecuted Bible for my 2026 devotions, taking the Psalms and Proverbs route. Proverbs 3:5-6, according to Facebook,  is my Heidi life verse, but until this week, I didn’t realize how many iconic verses are in this whole chapter. Let’s dig in!

PROVERBS 3:1-2

1.My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2. For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

     If you are in Jesus Christ, the word of God is written on your heart. His law is peace, His ultimate command is LOVE. Love God with all that is within you,  and love others as you love yourself.         

Father God promises that following these commands will give you days full of life and adventure, as well as prolong your life, for His glory & honor. I share this photo because last year, when I was part of the David’s Kidz team, we shared a lot of love with each other. The love of the Father and the Word of God planted in my heart were brought out as Holy Spirit inspired throughout this adventure!

LOVE!

PROVERBS 3:3-4

3. Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4.  And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

     Mercy and truth, bound around your neck, the belt of truth wrapped around your middle… God’s mercy keeps us from being consumed. His word written on your heart, as the Tablets of stone, now alive in our hearts.

     Speak the truth in love and you will find favor in the sight of God & mankind. This is what was said of Jesus from the time he was 12. I realize that He is the one who causes me to have favor with Father God, as well as the people He puts in my life. I pray the same be said of these young children as they grow up in a “tough neighborhood”.

PROVERBS 3:5-6

5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

    Here are my life verses. Faith means trusting God is working for your good, no matter what is going on in your life. When I go with my own finite understanding, things fall apart, and I can miss what Holy Spirit has planned for that day.

Our marriage relationship has not always been on an even keel. I know that John and I would not be together 45 years if the Good Lord had not blessed us with His grace and mercy over the years.

     When I choose to acknowledge that He is there with me, I’m open to His leading. I cannot imagine how He will bring my husband, children, grandchildren, or the rest of our family, into the Kingdom. I know Father God has a plan; He can see from beginning to end, I can’t even fully see tomorrow. This path is an adventure, all for His glory and my good.

PROVERBS 3:7-8

7. Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8. It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.

     Wisdom comes from Holy Spirit. When I have a true estimation of who I am in Christ, I realize that any wisdom that comes from my finite mind falls flat on the ground.  Yes, it can open me to the devil’s schemes, as well as strife with those around me.

     When I take a second and let Holy Spirit enlighten my understanding, I notice health and strength in my flesh and bones. Heaviness, pain, doubt, and fear are gone. The joy of the LORD is evident then!

PSALM 3:9-10

9. Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10. So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

     When I realize that everything I have comes from Jesus, is sustained by Him, and will return to Him, nothing I have truly belongs to me. I am steward of all that I think I posses. This week, we’ve had problems with our vehicles. I remember that they belong to God, and He brings the solutions and the finances to fix the problem.

     If you’ve been following me, we have a large garden, fruit trees, and my husband hunts and fishes. We love to share the bounty, as the LORD causes us to prosper.

     The first portion of our harvest goes to my congregation, then family and friends. We have shelves full of canned produce, a chest freezer, an upright freezer, and large fridge freezer, as well as keeping produce in our pump room with a heater that keeps it about 40 degrees.

It’s a joy to help others as needs arise. For example, my sister was struggling with her business and I let her take what she wanted from our pantry. A friend who’s on a fixed income and had car troubles appreciated us giving from our pantry, garden, and freezer.

WRAP-UP

     Wow! There are 25 more verses and quite a few topics left in this chapter. Even though this post is longer than usual, this is turning into a series!

     I leave you to understand two things: 1. Who you truly are in Christ Jesus and 2. What it’s like to walk hand in hand with Him. 

     We are on this earth at an exciting time. Knowledge is increasing exponentially each day [see puzzle @ top] but it means that we need a direct line to the God of the universe.

     When Christ rose to heaven, sitting down at the right hand of the Father, Holy Spirit was sent down to us. [Acts chap. 1] This means we can walk this earth with heavenly purpose, as Jesus did; “God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.