Promise: There are many wrong ways and only one right way. There are countless ways to get lost and only one right way home. We need a reliable guide to show us the way and straighten out our path. The Lord is that wise and trustworthy guide. The promise of wisdom is sure: If we align[1] all our ways to God’s word,[2] He will indeed make our paths straight. Jesus once said, “He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Those who walk the narrow way of life of the Lord will absolutely enter into life and avoid the destructive end that awaits all who trust in their own human wisdom (Matt. 7:13-14; Is. 53:6). We have all gone our own way, but the Savior who perfectly walked the way of wisdom suffered the consequence of our crooked way to restore us to God (Is. 53:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:24-25). Wisdom and its blessing await all who repent and turn to the LORD.
Way of Wisdom: This passage reveals four areas of wisdom. First, live by the word of God with all your heart and in all your ways (3:5-6; Mk. 8:34-38). Second, repent and turn away from evil (3:7-8; 1 Pet. 1:17). Third, honor the LORD with all He has given you. As good stewards, use God’s resources to give expression to His infinite worth (3:9-10; Rom. 12:1). Finally, receive suffering as the instruction/correction of our heavenly Father for our benefit and blessing (3:11-12; Heb. 12:10-11). God’s sovereignty indeed rules over all (Ps. 103:19); no suffering ever enters our lives by chance or without meaning (cf. Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28-30). Always grow by it (James 1:2-4; Rom. 5:1-5).