Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight (removing obstacles that block your way).

We all do it! We rely only on what we can see, hear, smell, taste, or know from experience. Every day we make decisions based on our personal knowledge until it doesn’t work! Then, Jesus waits for us to patiently come to the end of ourselves and ask for wisdom. If we would start instead with relying on the Lord confidently first-and forget what we think we know-we would be so far ahead. 

Proverbs 3:3-4
Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you (instead let these qualities define you); bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. 

The world needs mercy and kindness from people who can judge situations according to the word of God. We represent God, and when we act as He would on this earth, we show God’s goodness. This will bring us favor, but more than that, we will receive high esteem from God.

Proverbs 3:1-2
My Son, do not forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commandments; for the length of days and years of like and tranquility and prosperity they will add to you.

Many times, the Bible tells us to focus on God’s commandments. Or to keep in remembrance what God has said in His word, because what we focus on directs where our thoughts, energy, and time go. It is so easy for our lives to veer in the wrong direction just because of what we think. We will find peace and prosperity when we keep His commandments as cornerstones for our lives. 

Proverbs 2:21-22
For the upright (those who are in right standing with God) will live in the land and those (of integrity) who are blameless (in God’s sight) will remain in it. But the wicked will be cut off from the land and the treacherous shall be uprooted and removed from it. 

The righteous will reap benefits, as Wisdom will bring us into the land and help us to remain in it. The rewards for remaining blameless before God are endless:  safety, peace, protection, and more. We will not be cut off or removed, but the wicked don’t receive the same reward. Be of good courage; the Lord will keep us whose mind is focused on Him. 

Proverbs 2:20
So you will walk in the way of good men (that is, those of personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character) and keep to the paths of righteousness.

Wisdom follows in the path of good men. Those who demonstrate integrity no matter the pressure or circumstance. When we determine we will have an honorable character, it will require moral courage not doubting the promises of God to those who are faithful to His word. 

Proverbs 2:18-19
For her house leads down to death and her paths lead to the dead; none who go to her return again, nor do they regain the paths of life-

The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. When we let our carnal nature take over and turn away from the leadership of Wisdom and Jesus, we will die in our sin. Repentance and salvation are real for those who believe in Jesus and turn away from sin. Let Wisdom guide us and keep us from the path of sin. 

Proverbs 2:15-17
Whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways; to keep you from an immoral woman; from the seductress with her flattering words, who leaves the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. 

Wisdom directs us away from being carnal and following our senses. God’s word creates a broader picture of the problems that sin brings into our lives. Our covenant with God is important, and Jesus died to redeem us from sin. We must endeavor to turn away from the influences of sin and honor Jesus who died for that redemption. 

Proverbs 2:12-14
To keep you from the way of evil and the evil man, from the man who speaks perverse things; from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness. Who finds joy in doing evil and delight in the perversity of evil.

When we have a secure understanding of who we are in Jesus Christ, we will set ourselves apart from a sinner and their lifestyle. Good character will be tested by bad company and pressure to conform to what the bad company is doing, which is why we are to keep away from the evil man. Talking about salvation is one thing, but maintaining a relationship with someone who finds joy in doing evil is not beneficial. 

Proverbs 2:10-12
For (skillful and godly) wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will watch over you, understanding and discernment will guard you.

Wisdom brings us knowledge and discernment to overcome in every situation, whether simple or complex. God knows the answers to problems and the solutions before they come into our lives. When we seek wisdom and allow it to enter our hearts and souls, God can guard and protect us from the adversary. 

Proverbs 2:8-9
He guards the paths of justice; and He preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice (in every circumstance) and integrity in every good path. 

Wisdom is a guard of justice. When we choose wisdom, we choose to think in line with God’s commandments. God’s commandments keep evil away from our lives, preserving our way. A path unfettered by sin and led by righteousness will lead us in a good direction.