Proverbs 23—Direct Your Heart and Hope Will Not Be Cut Off

One lesson I learned on my grief journey was the need to be intentional. Proactive was better than reactive. Once the initial shock and numbness began to wear off, I had to make choices and take steps. For example, I had to plan how I wanted to face all the many firsts—first children’s birthday without their mother, first anniversary with my wife. But that’s just an example. There are even more important proactive, intentional steps to address.

Once again, Solomon is giving us wisdom for our ways. It is wise to direct your heart in the way.

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12

Instruction and knowledge are your friends on a long unwanted journey. They are your friends on every journey for that matter. Solomon instructs you to apply your heart to instruction. Direct your heart to consider wise instruction. Apply your ears to consider sound knowledge.

Later in this chapter in Proverbs 23:23 he says, “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” Truth is that important. Do whatever you have to do to get it. Buy truth. Work for it. Buy wisdom, too. Buy instruction and do whatever necessary to obtain understanding.

John 14:6 reminds us, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” So, this truth we seek to buy is a person. Wisdom is not a thing. Wisdom is Jesus. He is the way. He is the truth we seek. Jesus is life itself. Remember, Jesus goes on to say that no one can come to the Father except through him.

If you want to recognize the importance of being intentional and proactive, consider that exclusive truth and instruction. Add Proverbs 23:26 to this consideration: “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” Proactively and intentionally give your heart to the Lord. Gaze upon him to observe his ways.

“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.” Proverbs 23:15-16

When I was knocked on my heels because of my sudden loss, I did not want to dishonor God or Kim. I did not want to mislead anyone by walking in an unwise manner. I did not want to fail this test called grief. Yes, the instruction, wisdom, truth—Jesus himself—along with his grace, mercy, peace, hope, love, and comfort were all incredible and reliable driving forces.

Nothing, however, proved to be more inspiring than seeking to please God. Not dishonoring God was one thing. Making glad the heart of my Father was an altogether more inspiring aspiration. The idea that my choice of wisdom could make glad the heart of my Father is awe-inspiring. My intentional and proactive choice to speak what is right is cause for exultation. Stop and ponder this truth: In the depths of loss, speaking what is right can be cause for celebratory exultation.

“Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18

Even in this sad moment in time—in the depths of painful grief—when it feels like there is no future, there is an undeniable future. There is a gospel future. There is hope of eternity. These are words of faith. These are factual words. These are words you can stand upon.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

There is a future and a hope. Your micro story, your immediate journey may be painful. You may not feel hopeful. You may not be able to see a future. But the word of God gives you reason to look forward to a hopeful future.

There is a future, and your hope will not be in vain.

Stand on this hope. In other words, be wise and intentionally and proactively direct your heart in his way.

“Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.” Proverbs 23:19