(Proverbs 1:1–9:18)

How to seek intimacy with Jehovah is discussed in chapter 3.

◼ Proverbs 1-21

/ PROVERBS 1-4 □

/ 17-19 □

The third chapter of the Bible book of Proverbs 3 provides answers.

King Solomon of ancient Israel commences the third chapter of Proverbs with the words: “My son, my law do not forget, and my commandments may your heart observe, because length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you.” (Proverbs 3:1, 2)

So no matter how reasonable human advice may seem, if it does not take God’s Word into account, it is not wisdom at all.​—Prov. 19:21.

The results clearly show that “there is no wisdom . . . in opposition to Jehovah.”​—Prov. 21:30.

History has proved many times over that it is useless to stand in opposition to the almighty Creator. (Read Proverbs 21:30.)

• Proverbs 21:30?

“Many are the plans in the heart of a man,” observed wise King Solomon.​—Proverbs 19:21.

When human plans and God’s purpose differ, “the counsel of Jehovah is what will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

We have no reason to add to the instruction he provides. (Prov. 3:5-7)

What we observe around us convinces us of this truth: “There is no wisdom, nor discernment, nor counsel in opposition to Jehovah.” (Prov. 21:30)

How can mathematical formulas even begin to compare with Bible principles?​—Prov. 1:7; 3:5-7.

And be fully convinced that God’s way is always best.​—Prov. 3:5-7.

Listen to Jehovah and trust in him in all that you do. (Prov. 3:5-7)

Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.” (Prov. 3:5-7)

We also need to avoid becoming wise in our own eyes or becoming self-centered. (Prov. 3:7; Eccl. 7:16)

God’s Word warns: “Do not become wise in your own eyes.” (Prov. 3:7)

In Proverbs chapter 3, we find this admonition: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.

Jesus concluded: “So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”​—Luke 12:15-21; Proverbs 19:21.

This is because the graduates of the school follow what is written in God’s Word and do not rely upon their own understanding or become wise in their own eyes. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Do not become wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Unlike fallible men with their limited abilities, Almighty God does not need a detailed, cut-and-dried plan that sets out beforehand the destiny of every individual on the earth. (Proverbs 19:21)

Second, godly fear will benefit us because it will affect our attitude toward what is bad. (Proverbs 3:7)

18. How does godly fear help us to be receptive to God’s guidance?

¹⁸ Pointing to yet another quality that makes our heart receptive to divine guidance, Solomon stated: “Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.” (Proverbs 3:7)

That is why the Bible reminds us: “He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape.”​—Proverbs 3:5-7; 28:26.

He shows us how to cultivate intimacy with Jehovah and how to safeguard our heart. (Chapters 3 and 4)

She has learned to put her trust in him. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

In view of this, how comforting the Bible’s statement that the ‘fear of Jehovah’ is “a healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones”!​—Proverbs 3:7, 8.

Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah (Pr 3), 1/15