Proverbs 2:6:
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (NKJV)

This verse stresses that true intellect—wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—comes from God. Human reasoning is most reliable when it is grounded in divine truth rather than self-reliance (Prov. 3:5-6).

Our God possesses infinite intellect; He not only knows all things but also searches every heart (1 Chron. 28:9). Scripture reveals that He tests the hearts of men (1 Chron. 29:17), for nothing is hidden from His sight (Prov. 15:11). On earth, only mankind is capable of possessing true intellect, being made in the image of God.

Unlike humans, animals are unreasoning creatures. They do not discern between good and evil, truth and error, or make morally upright choices. As a judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar, God temporarily stripped him of human reasoning and gave him the mind of an animal: “Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast…” (Dan. 4:16). This punishment drove him away from society, forcing him to live in the wild. His hair grew like an eagle’s feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws (Dan. 4:33). This discipline taught him—and all people—that God rules over the kingdoms of men.

At the appointed time, Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven and declared, “My understanding returned to me.” A heart without understanding is beastlike. Sin can warp our thinking to the point where we become like unreasoning animals. Peter warned, “But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption” (2 Pet. 2:12).

The gospel restores our minds. Within it, we discover the transformative power of having the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5ff).

So, what is your mind filled with? Do you have a debased mind filled with wickedness (Rom. 1:28-29)? A puffed-up fleshly mind (Col. 2:18)?

If God judged men today as He did Nebuchadnezzar, would you stand with an upright heart, or would you be driven away, your understanding lost, and your nails growing like birds’ claws?

"With the heart one believes…" (Rom. 10:10). Let God inscribe His law upon your heart and begin developing the mind of Christ through His Word!

Proverbs 3:11, 12 emphasizes God’s correction as an extension of love as a father would his own son.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. (NKJV)

Correction is not isolated to instructive rebuke; it may also include punishment. Discipline, even chastening, should not be interpreted as a sign of rejection but of love and favor. The thought in Proverbs 3:11 echoes Job 5:17. Rather than loathing God's discipline, we should recognize it as a means of drawing us closer to Him.

The answer to Proverbs 3:11 is found in Proverbs 3:12. The New Testament applies this passage to suffering Christians who strive to walk by faith in a world of trouble in Hebrews 12:5, 6. This fits the context of Proverbs 3:11 and 12 perfectly. Just as we are not to forget God in prosperity—when our barns are filled with plenty (Prov. 3:9, 10)—we are not to become alienated from Him in hard times.

Do we welcome divine correction? The Scriptures teach:

"For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:23)

Philippians 4:6-7 speaks of the peace of God that surpasses understanding:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (NKJV)

This passage highlights the principle of peace through prayer. How so? It teaches us to surrender our worries to God. In every challenge we face, we have two choices. We can either be consumed by anxiety, allowing our thoughts to spiral downward in worry, or we can turn to God in prayer and trust. Anxiety fixates on everything that is wrong and all that could go wrong, trapping us in fear.

Paul presents a better option—bringing our concerns to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Instead of being weighed down by worry, disciples can experience divine peace by trusting in God's provision and expressing gratitude. This peace, unlike worldly comfort, is not dependent on circumstances but on the all-powerful God who faithfully cares for His children.

Worry accomplishes nothing positive; it only pulls us down. Prayer, however, lifts our burdens, placing them in God's capable hands. One option leads to destructive stress, while the other leads to productive peace. The choice is ours. Will we allow worry to rule our hearts, or will we turn to God in prayer and experience His peace?

--Steven J. Wallace

Psalm 119:105,

This verse speaks of guidance. In particular, God’s Word is designed to provide clarity in life as any handheld light source would for a hiker traveling down a path. “Your word,” refers to the Scriptures God has graciously provided. When likened to “a lamp,” it emphasizes how it can brighten our way and inform us. Furthermore, the phrases “to my feet” and “to my path” relate the importance of being aware of what we are walking on, where we are walking to, and how to avoid dangers or obstacles amidst darkness or uncertainty.

For instance, in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan with physical needs, spiritual pride, and worldly power, but He effectively countered and warded off these spiritual attacks using Scripture (Matt. 4:1-11). God's Word is reliable because it is divinely inspired, unchanging, and sufficient for every challenge we face on the path of life.

Are you relying on the light of God’s Word to guide your steps, or are you stumbling through a wilderness of temptation without direction?

-- Steven J. Wallace

1 Corinthians 15:58:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (NKJV)

This verse speaks of the Christian's resolve as unwavering determination and persistent commitment to God’s purposes—be steadfast! It encourages us to remain resolute and faithfully keep our post regardless of the challenges—be immovable! It reminds us to be confident and active in the work of the Lord regardless of the obstacles that may come our way—always abounding! Finally, it reminds us that our perseverance and undying dedication have eternal significance—your labor is not in vain!

--Steven J. Wallace