Question about Proverbs 3

[Godislove94]

Hi. I posted this question in the scriptures section but didn't get any answers. When I read proverbs 3 and it says not to lean on our own understanding, it bothers me. It makes it seem like God says that it is sin to think logically and use our brain. It seems like saying rather than using our minds we should just let him tell us every move we make. This has put a heavy burden on me and has made me completely helpless when I have decisions to make and makes me feel in a box and angry. I'm facing a tough decision and think God is saying no at the moment too but can't figure out anything since I'm so freaked out. Is this what we're being told?

 

[joshuanazar]

We are allowed to think and reason. In fact God wants us to think logically, in Timothy Paul says that we must always be prepared to give a reason for our faith. God did not call us to blind faith. While grace showed me God's love for me, reason made me believe that God was real to begin with.

That being said, we must always put reason in its place. Our minds are flawed so the Word of God must always comes first. Sound reasoning strengthens faith, but faith is needed to connect us to God's grace. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your reasoning and to give you his wisdom and discernment.

 

[shakewell]

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

I take this to refer to any part of our understanding that’s not consistent with God’s revealed word. Similar to “bringing every thought into captivity” in 2 Corinthians 10:5

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We are certainly to get and use understanding:

Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

 

[miamited]

Hi. I posted this question in the scriptures section but didn't get any answers. When I read proverbs 3 and it says not to lean on our own understanding, it bothers me. It makes it seem like God says that it is sin to think logically and use our brain. It seems like saying rather than using our minds we should just let him tell us every move we make. This has put a heavy burden on me and has made me completely helpless when I have decisions to make and makes me feel in a box and angry. I'm facing a tough decision and think God is saying no at the moment too but can't figure out anything since I'm so freaked out. Is this what we're being told?

Hi GIL,

No, what we're being told is to not lean on our own understanding. I'm confident that He is referring to spiritual things. Yes, we can know that 2 + 2 = 4 and we can make decisions about jobs and careers and family matters and such. However, when we get into trying to work out the things of God i.e., what He thinks and the things that He does, then we should not lean on our own understanding. Who among us has the mind of God?

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[ron4shua]

Proverbs 3 as I read it is as complete as can be !
I view Psalm 111 as a Sister verse .
http://biblehub.com/isr/psalms/111.htm

1Praise Yah! I thank יהוה with all my heart, In the company of the straight, and of the congregation.

2Great are the works of יהוה, Searched for by all who delight in them.

3Splendour and greatness are His work, And His righteousness stands forever.

4He has made His wonders to be remembered; יהוה shows favour and is compassionate.

5He has given food to those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.

6He has shown His people the power of His works, To give to them the inheritance of the gentiles.

7The works of His hands are truth and right-ruling, All His orders are trustworthy,

8They are upheld forever and ever, Performed in truth and straightness.

9He sent redemption to His people, He has commanded His covenant forever. Set-apart and awesome is His Name.

10The fear of יהוה is the beginning of wisdom, All those doing them have a good understanding. His praise is standing forever.
Hallelu-YAH

 

[Godislove94]

Hi GIL,

No, what we're being told is to not lean on our own understanding. I'm confident that He is referring to spiritual things. Yes, we can know that 2 + 2 = 4 and we can make decisions about jobs and careers and family matters and such. However, when we get into trying to work out the things of God i.e., what He thinks and the things that He does, then we should not lean on our own understanding. Who among us has the mind of God?

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

Oh I get it now! Basically don't try to find the reason why God does what He does or try to rationalize it from a limited human standpoint....thank you. This brings great relief.