Solomon recorded for his son important keys to success in life.  In Proverbs 3:1-2 he wrote, "My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life, And peace they will add to you." 

Proverbs 3 is an important chapter for young people who are laying the foundation of a way of life that will lead to success and happiness.

Points to build on

1. Build your life on showing mercy to others and always seek the truth.

Proverbs 3:3-4:  "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem, In the sight of God and man."

Most people go through life defining what happens to them by their subjective emotions.  A mature person will seek the objective truth in all aspects of life.  When we define reality through emotions, it is easy to feel like a victim and to blame others for our own problems.  When we seek the truth, it allows us to decide to show mercy on others.

2. Trust in God's ways instead of your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-8:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones."

3. Honor God with your possessions.

Proverbs 3:9-10:  "Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine."

4. Allow God to correct your course in life.

Proverbs 3:11-12:  "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."

5. Seek wisdom in all decisions.

Proverbs 3:13-26:  "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.  She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.  Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.  The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.  My son, let them not depart from your eyes--Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck.  Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble.  When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.  Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught."

6. Be generous to others.

Proverbs 3:27-28:  "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.  Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,' When you have it with you."

7. Don't take advantage of others.

Proverbs 3:29:  "Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake."

8. Don't oppress others or seek unnecessary conflict.

Proverbs 3:30:  "Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm."

9. Don't envy others who gain their wealth and fame through immoral means.

Proverbs 3:31-35:  "Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.  The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just.  Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.  The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools."

Application

Proverbs 3 was written to help young people lay the foundation of success and happiness.  How many times have you heard someone say (or said yourself), "I wish I'd known then what I know now."  These valuable keys to life were written for the young, but we are never too old to learn wisdom and experience success and happiness.