“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” (Proverbs 3:21-26 NIV)
The chorus of Fanny Crosby’s Tell Me the Story of Jesus comes to mind as I write this devotional. Note her words: Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.
That is the basic tenant of today’s passage. The Wise Teacher explains that to obtain and enjoy true security, sound judgment and discernment must be foundational elements in one’s life. In fact, these elements will be life to us.
As we negotiate the corridors of life, these elements will provide protection and confident, solid footing. And because of this foundation, we can sleep like babies in their cradles without a care in the world. Yes, the skeptic will say, “Such a view is not a real possibility in our modern world.”
And to intellectual, humanistic reasoning this view is unrealistic. But, if your life is built on the sound judgment and discernment taught in the Holy Bible, then you view everything from a different perspective. God is our refuge and present help in time of trouble. God is our shepherd who provides everything we need, including uninterrupted, restful sleep.
And you conduct your life differently too. These seeds of sound judgment and discernment not only produce life in you, they also produce an external behavior that others will note. You won’t need any bling bling, because your honor and reputation will catch everyone’s attention.
Preserving the Word of God in our hearts will preserve us for all eternity. Sudden disasters do not frighten us because the Lord is our confidence. The ruin which awaits the wicked does not scare us because we are confident in the Lord, our Savior.
Dear Father, thank you for the sound judgment and discernment of your Word. May we hide it in our hearts that we might also be hidden in you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today as you preserve God’s Word in your heart,