Episode 133

I don’t usually pull verses from Proverbs for this podcast, primarily because Proverbs contains principles rather than promises. Promises encourage us while principles direct us. Our declaration today leans toward instruction rather than inspiration.

The principles taught in Proverbs 3:3 help us know how to diligently guard our hearts. This valuable instruction is probably why I memorized these verses long ago and taught them to my children. When they were growing up, I would make a game out of writing Bible verses on the chalkboard in my kitchen. I substituted key words with pictures I drew, and my kids would try to solve the puzzle. Our game was a fun way for them to learn Bible verses.

I remember keeping Proverbs 3:3-4 on that chalkboard for a long time. My mind’s eye can still see how I wrote verse 3. In the phrase “Let love and faithfulness never leave you”, I drew a heart instead of writing the word “love” and I drew a cross instead of writing the word “faithfulness.” I also drew a falling leaf next to a little ewe lamb instead of writing the words “leave you.” For the phrase, “write them on the tablet of your heart” I drew a hand holding a pencil to replace the word “write” and I drew the stereotypical side-by-side stone tablets of the Ten Commandments to replace the word “tablet.” God wrote on those stone tablets but you and I write on the tablets of our hearts.

What is written on the tablet of your heart? Love and faithfulness? If so, then you will win a prize. I actually drew a blue ribbon to replace the word “win” in the phrase that says “Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

Bind love and faithfulness around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart, then you will win because no one’s words or actions will keep you down. Let’s decide right now to fill our hearts with love. Storing up faithfulness leaves no room for bitterness and lies.

Find free resources on my website to help you store up love and faithfulness. Visit shawnamariebryant.com.

This week’s scripture: Proverbs 3:1-4