People search many places for life. It’s found in one place only, in Christ. Watchman Nee’s quote captures the truth well: “Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I cannot; in Christ, I am more than able. Outside of Christ, I have been defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious. How meaningful are the words, “in Christ.”
Relationship with God
You experience longer life, peace, favor and understanding when truth and kindness rule your heart so you keep His commandments. When you trust in the Lord and don’t rely on your understanding, you experience the following benefits:
a. Make your paths straight
b. Healing and refreshment
c. Material plenty when you give
d. Loving discipline (Prov. 3:1-12). Trusting in God and keeping His commandments along with kindness lead to fullness in all areas of life.
Wisdom
Nothing compares to the profit of wisdom, not even silver, gold or precious jewels. Here are the benefits of wisdom:
a. Long life
b. Riches and honor
c. Pleasant ways and peace
d. Tree of life and happiness
e. Life to your soul
f. Favor and grace
g. Walk securely and not stumble
h. Not fear
i. Good sleep
j. Confidence in Lord
k. Not stumble (Prov. 3:13-26). Wisdom has maximum profit since it’s the tree of life.
Wisdom is the bridge between a healthy relationship with God and profitable relationship with others.
Relationship with Others
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due or devise harm against your neighbor. Don’t envy a man of violence because God is intimate and blesses the upright. He gives grace to the afflicted. The wise inherit honor, but fools display dishonor (Prov. 3:27-35). Wisdom does good to others and leads to intimacy, blessing, grace and honor.
For application, consider these instruction to sons to gain the benefits of wisdom:
1. Do not forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commandments
2. Do not reject discipline, instruction of the Lord or resent His reproof
3. Whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father whom he delights
4. Keep sound wisdom and discretion; do not let them out of your sight (Prov. 3:1,11,12,21)
