A Proverbs 3 Sandwich

Proverbs 3 is full of encouragement and refreshment for your spirit. I made a sandwich with two selections from the beginning of Proverbs 3 as the bread and a meaty selection in the middle. Let’s dig in.

The first slice is verses 5 and 6. We all know these verses they are seen on posters, plaques, and coffee cups.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

The key word here is TRUST. When it comes to trusting people it can be a hard thing to do because people will let you down. We are not told to trust in other people or even our own understanding. I can think of times growing up I listened to others and ended up in trouble with my mom. Instead of trusting in others we are told to put our trust, faith, hope, and confidence in the Lord. Look at what happens when you trust in the Lord. By seeking His directions for your life you won’t be going in circles like when you try to do things on your own.

Now for the inner part of the sandwich, verses 21-24;

My son, do not lose sight of these—
    keep sound wisdom and discretion,
and they will be life for your soul
    and adornment for your neck.
Then you will walk on your way securely,
    and your foot will not stumble.
If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

There is a lot in these verses. The main part of this is the meat of “sound wisdom and discretion”. The zesty pepper is they will bring “life to your soul”. The lettuce is “walking securely”. With “your sleep will be sweet”, as the mayonnaise. Sound wisdom pulls everything together.

The bottom layer of bread is verses 7 and 8;

Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.

The base of the sandwich everything is stacked on is “fear the Lord.” This is a healthy fear like when you are cooking you have a fear of the hot pan you are cooking in. You won’t grab it without hot pads to keep from getting burned. It is this fear we have for the Lord which brings healing to our flesh and refreshment to our bones. When I am serving the Lord in children’s ministry it is as though the Lord give me the strength to do so. For that night and on into Monday my legs are saying, “No more.” As a rest and draw close to Him, the pain goes away.

Enjoy a Proverbs 3 sandwich when you need some refreshment.