Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 3

In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments, health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days may not be long on earth, we shall live forever in heaven. Do not let mercy and truth forsake you; God's mercy in promising, and his truth in performing: live up to them, maintain your interest in them, and take comfort from them.

We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Those who know themselves find their own understanding to be a broken reed, which, if they lean upon it, will fail. Do not plan anything but what is lawful, and ask God to direct you in every case, even though it may seem quite straightforward.

In all our ways that prove pleasant, in which we gain our point, we must acknowledge God with thankfulness. In all our ways that prove uncomfortable, and that are hedged up with thorns, we must acknowledge him with submission. It is promised, He shall direct thy paths; so that your way will be safe and good, and happy at last.

There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart than self-conceit of our own wisdom. The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches tend not only to the health of the soul, but to the health of the body.

Worldly wealth is merely a poor substance; yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it, and those who do good with what they have will have more to do more good with.

Should the Lord visit us with trials and sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks to us as children, for our good. We must not faint under an affliction, however heavy and long it may be, nor be driven to despair or use wrong means for relief.

The father corrects the son whom he loves, because he loves him and desires that he may be wise and good. Afflictions are so far from doing God's children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their holiness.

No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity are considered. We must make wisdom our chief pursuit; we must risk everything for it and be willing to give up everything for it.

This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer.

Were it not for unbelief, remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we would find all our ways pleasantness and our paths peace, for His are so; but we too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief.

Christ is that Wisdom by whom the worlds were made and continue to exist. Happy are those to whom He is made wisdom by God. He has the means to fulfill all His promises.

Let us not allow Christ's words to depart from us, but keep sound wisdom and discretion; then we will walk safely in His ways. The natural life, and all that belongs to it, will be under the protection of God's providence; the spiritual life, and all its interests, will be under the protection of His grace, so that we will be kept from falling into sin or trouble.

Our duty is to observe the precepts of Christ and to copy his example. We are to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness. We are also to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife and, if possible, bearing wrongs rather than seeking redress by law. It will be found that little is gained by contention. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while Divine favor is shown to the humble believer.