The Three blessings

 

A priest, a minister, and a rabbi want to see who’s best at his job. So each one goes into the woods, finds a bear, and attempts to convert it. Later, they all get together. The priest begins: “When I found the bear, I read to him from the catechism and sprinkled him with holy water. Next week is his first Communion.”  “I found a bear by the stream,” says the minister, “and preached God’s holy Word. The bear was so mesmerized that he let me baptize him.” They both look down at the rabbi, who is lying on a gurney in a body cast. “Looking back,” he says, “maybe I shouldn’t have started with the
circumcision.”   

 Do  these things: obedience, love, faithfulness, trust, respect, and honor; and the following

God “will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:2)

Prosperity in this verse is the Hebrew word shalom meaning peace, health, and tranquility. God will reward your obedience with a shalom life, which is a long and peaceful life.  Serving God with Your Wor.  kShalom is the fruit of your new life in Jesus Christ who is described in Isaiah 9:6 as “Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

“You will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:4)

Doing things God’s way will improve your relationships with others. You will win favor and a good name.   Jesus had favor eith God and man

God “will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)

God knows the right paths to get you to the right places at the right time. Remaining faithful to him will keep you on course to a better life. 

“This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:8)

 The word “body” is translated from the Hebrew word meaning navel, as in a newborn baby’s umbilical cord. Honoring God with your body will improve your health and well-being. Look to God for your spiritual nourishment.

“Your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:10)

Give back to God. But don’t give to get—give to honor your Giver. Barns and vats are material possessions. God can fill them to the brim and make them overflow, not to your glory but to his.  You do your part–obedience, love, faithfulness, honor– and God will do his.  Matthew 22:37-40 states we are to love the Lord with every fibre of being and we will then love our neighbor as ourself.