The beginning of wisdom

Jul 13, 2026

Wise Teaching

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My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will provide a long and full life, and well-being for you.

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NET)

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I talked yesterday about the value of the Old Testament as a teacher.

This verse continues that thought, in a way.

Proverbs 3 may be my favorite chapter out of that whole book. It’s so good.

The wise teaching here begins with a love for God’s commandments.

We can probably expand the commandments out beyond the 10 and take it to mean the Law (or the first five books of the Bible).

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is all about how the writer loves God’s law.

Just as Proverbs is a book of wisdom, Psalms is too (though presented in a very different way).

Wisdom begins when we fear/revere the Lord.

That’s what it means to let our heart keep His commandments.

And keeping in line with the format of Proverbs, we see that keeping the commandments leads to a long & full life and well-being.

Remember, Proverbs presents these as absolutes but they are general truths.

In other words, principles, not promises.

The principle here is the same as the Great Commandment:

Love God.

We demonstrate that love when we follow His commands, which are not burdensome.

Rather, they bring us into the abundant life.

I’m sure you see a lot of connections between Jesus’ teachings and what we’re seeing here.

— Ricky Ketchum

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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