Proverbs 3:13-15 – Happy is the man who finds wisdom

The Benefits of Wisdom – A Bible Study Based on Proverbs 3

The book of Proverbs is one of the most practical and wise books in the Bible. In it, King Solomon shares his teachings and wisdom, acquired throughout his life, with his children and with all who seek to live a straight and just life. Chapter 3 of Proverbs is particularly rich in practical advice and valuable guidance for anyone who wants to follow the path of wisdom and prosperity. In this Bible study, we are going to explore the benefits of wisdom as described in this chapter and how to apply them in our lives.

The Importance of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:13-15 says: “How happy is the man that finds wisdom, the man that gets understanding, for wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields more than gold.It is more precious than rubies; nothing you could wish for compares to her.”

Wisdom is one of the greatest riches a human being can possess. It helps us make the right decisions, choose the best options and avoid mistakes and failures. Furthermore, wisdom is a virtue that pleases God and brings benefits both in this life and in eternal life. As Solomon says in Proverbs 3:16-18, “Wisdom in the right hand gives you long life; in the left hand, riches and honor. Wisdom’s ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. Wisdom is a tree that gives life to those who embrace it; whoever clings to her will be blessed.”

How to Get Wisdom

But how can we gain wisdom? Solomon gives us some precious hints in Proverbs 3:1-6: “My son, do not forget my law, and let your heart keep my commandments; because they will increase your days and add to you years of life and peace. Let not kindness and faithfulness forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. And thou shalt find grace and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

In short, to gain wisdom we need:

1. Knowing and Keeping the Law of God
2. Practice kindness and faithfulness
3. Trust in God and not in our own understanding
4. Acknowledge God in all our ways

Following these guidelines may seem simple, but in practice it requires effort, humility and perseverance. You have to be willing to learn, change your mind, and seek divine guidance in all aspects of your life.

Wisdom in Practice

In addition to teaching us the importance of wisdom and how to obtain it, Solomon also shares practical advice on how to apply wisdom in our lives. Here are some valuable lessons we can draw from Proverbs chapter 3:

1. Let us learn to trust God

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Trust in God is fundamental to our journey in life. When we trust him and acknowledge his presence in all areas of our lives, he guides and protects us. We need to learn to trust God in all circumstances, even when we don’t understand what’s going on or when we face difficulties and challenges.

2. Let’s be generous

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; and your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Generosity is an important value to God. When we honor the Lord with our goods and offerings, he rewards us abundantly. We must learn to share our resources with those in need, help the church, and contribute to the Lord’s work.

The Bible talks a lot about the importance of giving. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be given to you. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

When we give generously, not only are we honoring God, but we are also investing in His kingdom. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul writes, “Remember, he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under obligation, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having everything you need, you may abound in every good work.”

Honoring God with our material goods means recognizing that everything we have comes from Him and that He deserves the best from us. It means putting God first in our finances, giving Him the first fruits of our crops and the first portions of our financial resources.

In Malachi 3:10 , God invites us to test Him regarding our finances: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse of the temple, that there may be food in my house. Put me to the test,” says the Lord of hosts, “and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out on you so many blessings that you will not have room to store them.”

Tithe means the tenth part of what we earn and is an act of worship and gratitude to God. When we tithe, we are putting God first in our finances and showing Him that we trust His provision.

3. Be wise in our relationships

Proverbs 3:27-28 says, “As much as you can, do good to those in need.

Our relationships are important to God and we should treat them with wisdom and respect. We need to be fair and generous with those around us and not postpone or neglect the good we can do today.

4. Let us seek wisdom and discernment

Proverbs 3:13-14 says, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who acquires knowledge; for his merchandise is better than silver merchandise, and his income than the finest gold.”

Wisdom and knowledge are precious blessings that we can acquire through diligent and persistent pursuit. We should seek God’s wisdom in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other Christians. Discernment helps us make wise choices and avoid evil.

How can we honor God with our material possessions?

1. Tithing – As mentioned earlier, tithing is one-tenth of what we earn and is an act of worship and gratitude to God. When we tithe, we are putting God first in our finances and showing Him that we trust His provision.
2. Giving Offerings – In addition to tithing, we can give generous offerings to God and invest in His kingdom. When we give generously, we are investing in God’s work on earth and helping to bring the gospel to others.
3. Living simply – Sometimes, honoring God with our material possessions means living simply and not letting ourselves be carried away by the desire to accumulate things. Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; A man’s life does not consist in the amount of his possessions.”
4. Being good stewards – God has given us financial resources to be good stewards. This means that we must manage what He has given us well and use our resources wisely and responsibly.

Conclusion

Proverbs chapter 3 is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance for all of us. In this Bible study, we learn that wisdom is essential to living a full and satisfying life, and that it comes from God. We must pursue it with diligence and perseverance, be willing to learn and change our minds, and trust God in all circumstances.

We also learned some practical lessons about how to apply wisdom in our lives, how to trust God, be generous, treat our relationships with wisdom and respect, and seek wisdom and discernment in all things.

May we apply these lessons to our daily lives and grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God. As Proverbs 3:7-8 says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your core and marrow to your bones.” May we fear the Lord and live according to his wisdom, so that we can enjoy a healthy and blessed life.

May this Bible study be a source of inspiration and encouragement to all of us, and may we continue to grow in wisdom and favor with God and man. Amen.