Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 3

The Lord blesses people who trust him and seek his guidance. His correction helps those who follow him.

Storing God's commands in your heart means more than memorizing them. It involves making them a key part of your life and acting on them.

People who follow God's laws often live longer. Wickedness usually harms both body and mind. However, sometimes evil people live longer than good people (Ecclesiastes 7:15–18).

• Loyalty and kindness show God's deep and complete commitment to his covenant with his people (see Deuteronomy 6:8–9).

• write them: For a similar command, see Proverbs 7:3.

On the journey to wisdom, God guides us through the wisdom in his word.

Healing and strength mean enjoying physical energy as God's reward for following the path of wisdom.

God receives honor and blesses his people when they acknowledge him as the source of all they have. He blesses them when they give him the best part of everything they produce (Genesis 4:3–5; 18:6; Numbers 18:12, 29).

The Lord’s discipline can include hardships, disappointments, and frustrations (see Hebrews 12:4–6). Like a good father, God aims to make us wise, good, and happy.

Wisdom and understanding help you live well and solve life's problems.

Wisdom is more valuable than precious metals and jewels. It leads to a relationship with God, who gives ultimate joy (see Proverbs 2:1–8).

The tree of life refers to the first tree in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9).

God's wisdom brought harmony to the universe. Being wise means living according to the principles found in creation.

This passage lists the benefits of common sense and discernment, which come from wisdom.

A wise person is a kind and helpful neighbor. Proverbs strongly emphasizes helping those in financial need (Proverbs 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14).

Since we often interact with our neighbors, we should not exploit them.

While we cannot avoid all conflict, we should not start fights.

Those who use violence will eventually face punishment for their actions (Proverbs 1:18–32), even if they appear successful in the world (11:16). The wise will not envy them, as they are disliked by the Lord. God's friendship offers much more than anything the violent can gain.