Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 40 and Proverbs 3

“The Lord … is gracious to the humble”, says Proverbs 3:34, in what could be seen as a summary statement of the chapter’s teaching on the life of wisdom.

The chapter drips with promises for people who are graciously blessed by God: a satisfying life (v.2), favour with God and people, a good reputation (v.4), physical wellness (v.8), generous provision for their needs (v.10), delightful life-paths (v.17), soul refreshing (v.22), protection (v.23), inner peace (v.24), security (v.26) and friendship with God (v.32)

But who are these blessed people? In chapter 3, it is “the humble” who are blessed by God’s grace. These “humble” are described as loyal, kind people (v.3) who trust in the LORD with all their hearts (v.5), seek His will in every situation (v.6), honour the LORD with sacrificial generosity (v.9), accept the Lord’s loving correction and discipline (v.11-12), walk in common sense and discernment (v.21), swiftly help others as far as possible (v.27-28), and seek peace with their neighbours (v.29-30).

People with these qualities are described as “humble” in v.34, because they aren’t living under the lordship of their own instincts and desires, but have committed their lives to a higher Lordship. They have enthroned the LORD as the Ruler of their lives, and have willingly surrendered to the daily direction of their Lord. Proverbs 3 explains that the Lord issues His daily directions to us through the language of wisdom (v.13). It also explains that we receive this wisdom through storing God’s commands in our hearts (v.1), seeking His will deliberately in all we do (v.6), and exercising our “common sense and discernment” (v.21). All of this takes true humility and the acceptance of a higher Lordship.

Almighty God of all Wisdom, help me by Your Spirit to be truly humble, completely surrendered to Your Lordship, constantly attentive to Your leading through the language of wisdom, and obedient to Your wisdom’s prompting and leading in every situation. Amen.