Proverbs 3:4
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So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
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We first want to find favor in the sight of God and man. And if we are also known for good understanding, it is that much better. The proverb describes being blessed and preferred by men and having the reputation for wisdom and discretion. These are great goals, and Proverbs teaches how we may reach them (3:1-3). See the comments on 22:1.
Samuel and Jesus both grew in favor with God and men (I Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52). We want to follow these holy examples. And if we keep the two great commandments - love of God and love of neighbor - we will achieve both of them.
Dear reader, are these your goals today? Will you behave so that both God and good men are pleased with your words and actions? The opportunity and privilege of earning these two great marks of character and wisdom should grip you! What lofty goals for a life!
Joseph behaved himself so well that Potiphar, his Egyptian slave owner, put all his assets totally under his care (Gen 39:1-6). When thrown unjustly in jail, he earned the same approval of the jailor (Gen 39:21). And when Pharaoh needed a wise and prudent man to oversee the preservation of his kingdom, he could think only of Joseph (Gen 41:38-45).
David behaved himself so well all Israel loved him and his name was much set by (I Sam 18:30). King Darius intended to promote Daniel over the whole empire for his excellent spirit (Dan 6:3), and even his enemies could no find no fault or error in him (Dan 6:4).
The Christian life is not petty rules and haughty liberty. It is much more - righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. And the man who does these things is accepted by God and approved of men (Rom 14:16-19), as was the early church (Acts 2:44-47).
Mercy and truth are the immediate context (3:3). And we often find them together (14:22; 16:6; 20:28), but we shall study them in their place. Keeping Proverbs' teaching is how we achieve these goals (2:1-9; 3:1-2; Josh 1:7-9; Ps 111:10). Lord, help us.
What is your life, Christian? Are you merely working, raising a family, and heading to the grave? Or do the lofty ideals of this proverb attract you? Apply yourself to them!
What a glorious description! What a noble ambition! Can a man or woman achieve this level of success in life? Yes, indeed! Dear reader, do you see the blessing here? It is a high privilege to be taught how to obtain this kind of honor and prosperity.
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