• The Bible Studies for Life lesson for May 5 focuses on Proverbs 3:5-8, 13-18, 31-35.
In studying Proverbs 3, we learn about the proper ordering of relationships. Our relationship with others flows from our relationship with God. The trickle-down effect is unavoidable. We cannot have proper relationships with others if our relationship with God is stunted or unhealthy.
Paul Koptak says in the NIV Application Commentary that this chapter presents a very clear order and direction for us to apply today: “Do not be wise in your own eyes so that you fail to trust that God’s ways are best (vv. 1-10). Do not reject the Lord’s teaching so that you miss the life-giving riches of wisdom (vv. 11-20). Do not lose your sense of judgment and discernment so that you take what belongs to your neighbors (vv. 21-32).”
We must know God in order to trust God. We must trust God in order to obey him. We must obey him in order to have deep, lasting relationships with others. Our marriages, our friendships and our relationships with our children and church family are dependent upon our relationship with God.
Shalom
The word shalom is used twice in this chapter to describe the benefits of choosing wisdom. In verse 2, wisdom brings peace and prosperity, and in verse 17, her paths are peace. Today, “shalom” or “peace” most often is used in a passive form. We talk about peace to refer to an absence of conflict or an overall calm in our world. But our definition is incomplete if we stop at the absence of war, for there is much more to peace. “Shalom” is used as a daily greeting in Israel to this day. Some might translate it to mean, “Good day” or “May you be well.” “To be well” literally means “to be whole, to be complete, to have resources sufficient to meet one’s needs.” Peace means justice prevails, and all is right.
In our relationships, we desire peace. We desire relationships with friends that are fulfilling for all parties involved. We desire relationships in families that are strong and that endure. We desire relationships within the church body that encourage and drive us deeper into the heart of God. Unfortunately, relationships are not always peaceful. Most of us are living in the midst of broken relationships within our church, within our friend circles and even within our families.
The reality of peace
Often, we view peace as something that happens or does not happen based on our circumstances. We do not feel we have the power to make peace a reality. However, from a biblical perspective, coming to a point of peace requires hard work and intentionality. Peace does not just happen. Peace is a product of trusting God and choosing his wisdom as the guide for our choices. When we are guided by his wisdom, we love others, we speak the truth in love and we act on behalf of others because of his love.
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We must work hard for peace. Psalm 34:14 says, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” We must turn toward peace, set our eyes on peace and chase peace. According to Proverbs, peace in our world and in our relationships hinges on our relationship with God.
Koptak observes idolatry and injustice never are far from one another. Whatever we value controls our time and money and has the power to control our lives. If I value and worship self, then everything else in life takes a backseat. My family, friends and co-workers’ needs are at the mercy of my personal desires and needs at any given time. I make decisions based on how I feel in the moment.
My actions have far-reaching consequences and ramifications for those in my circle. When I put other priorities, people and agendas ahead of Christ, I choose to be part of bringing injustice, rather than peace into the world.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the peace-bringer and the peace-initiator. He has come to right wrongs and to replace brokenness with wholeness. Our relationship with him allows us to join him in bringing peace to our relationships and situations. May we learn to trust him completely and follow his direction for living so the world can be more peaceful as a result.
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