Responding Well to Wise Exhortations

by Mitchell Tan
June 03, 2021

HEEDING WISE EXHORTATIONS

The words of wise teachers or fathers are to be received and retained carefully. If not, what we have gained in terms of wisdom and understanding can be easily lost.

“My son, let them not depart from your eyes”
Proverbs 3:21

It is not uncommon for us to let these wise exhortations depart from us. We can soon forget what we have learnt and it will be as if we have not learnt them in the first place. The consequence of letting wise exhortations depart from us is that we can end up in the way of foolishness. And this may eventually lead us to “death”. It is vital that we respond well to wisdom learnt from the Lord. The word “them” is a reference to what was stated at the beginning of the chapter (Proverbs 3:1). It is a reference to keeping “my law” and “my commands”. The challenge is to give earnest heed to what we have heard from God through wise teachers. We are to be mindful of them and to give them the strength of regard that will help us walk in the way of goodness and righteousness.

KEEPING WISE EXHORTATIONS

“– keep sound wisdom and discretion”
Proverbs 3:21

The dash “–“ in this context is the equivalent of a parenthesis. It explains further how we can give heed to wise exhortations. Our challenge is to treasure sound wisdom and discretion, to keep and to follow them so that they do not depart from us. Sound wisdom is with regard to knowing what God requires of us. This has been already taught and explained by Moses (Deuteronomy 10:12). Discretion is about how we are to respond and live well for the Lord. When wisdom enters the heart, discretion is what will preserve us (Proverbs 2:11). Therefore, sound wisdom and discretion are to be kept with our hearts and souls.

THE RESULTS OF HEEDING AND KEEPING WISE EXHORTATIONS

1. GOD’S GRACE AND SPIRITUAL LIFE WITHIN

“For they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.”
Proverbs 3:22

When we keep wise exhortations, the Lord’s grace would be upon us in a special way. Grace goes together with the other wonderful attributes of God like lovingkindness and mercy. “Grace to one’s neck” is His merciful favour bringing vitally of spiritual life within us. This is an invisible work of the Lord where His wisdom will refresh and renew our souls. “Grace to our neck” is also His kindness and favour being seen as visible as an ornament around one’s neck. Grace extended to us internally will also be seen externally.

2. GOD’S GRACE AND SAFETY IN LIFE

“Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.”
Proverbs 3:23

When we keep wise exhortations, we will find grace from the Lord to walk safely in life. Sound wisdom and discretion will help us to choose to live uprightly and carefully, not take unnecessary risks and stumble over things in life. Those who listen to wisdom will dwell safely (Proverbs 1:33). The Lord will also be a shield for them (Proverbs 2:7) and He will preserve them. Let’s keep sound wisdom and discretion so that we can experience the grace of God to live our life well.

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