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Pathways to Peace and Prosperity View video

Proverbs 3:1 - 3:10

1. My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

2. for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

3. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

4. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6. in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

7. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

8. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

9. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10. then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Reflection

Successful Living (3:1–4)
Our world says success is defined by money, power, and status. God’s idea of success is quite different. To begin with, it prominently features peace. It is no accident that peace is listed before prosperity in this passage. All the riches in the world do not guarantee peace of heart and mind. They often result in the very opposite of these things. And what is prosperity? How do we measure it? Is it money in the bank? The value of our home or stock portfolio? No. Genuine prosperity is found in the quality of life we live, in the quality of our relationships, and in our God-given purpose. A life of love and loyalty—or faithfulness—are the ingredients that bring about divine success in our lives.

Giving as a Sign of Trust (3:5–10)
Those who are wise in their own eyes are, in fact, fools. But those who lean not on their own understanding, choosing instead to trust God in the ups and downs and the twists and turns that life inevitably brings, will continue on the pathway to a peaceful and prosperous life. And one of the most significant ways we demonstrate our trust in God is in how we manage our wealth. As we give our first and choicest to the Lord, He promises to faithfully provide for all our needs and more. It really is true that those who are faithful in little will be given more by the God who clearly sees their faithfulness.

Application

- What do people around you consider a successful and prosperous life? How has God changed your view of success?

- What are some of the ways we are guilty of seeing ourselves as “wise in our own eyes?” Can you think of times when your understanding fell short of dealing with difficulties and trials?

A Letter to God

Dear God, thank you for the blessing of peace. Teach me that true prosperity is not found in my net worth or status in a fallen world. May I learn to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself, knowing that You care and provide for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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