Solomon promises that those who heed his instructions contained in the book of Proverbs will live healthy, happy, and satisfying lives. There are many descriptive phrases in the book of Proverbs that help us understand what God means by a happy and satisfying life. They are described as blessings that come to us when we “hearken” to God’s instructions for living. One of the key passages explaining this is Proverbs 8:34-35. It says, “Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD” Proverbs 8:34-35
There’s security and safety in following God’s instructions. Proverbs 1:33 says, “…whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” There is a promise of a long life associated with obeying God. 4:10 says, “Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.” There are promises of prosperity. Not prosperity of material possessions but of the kind that endure forever. 8:17-18 says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.” Not only true wealth but notice that honor in society is also promised. 31:30-31 says, “Charm can be deceptive, and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised… These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance.” There is true joy in following God’s instructions. 29:6 says, “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.” For those who apply their heart to find wisdom and to live by it, there is great peace. 16:7 says, “When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Those who seek God’s wisdom in all the affairs of their life will always be successful. 21:21 says, “He who strives to do good and kind deeds attains life, success, and honor.”
One of the major difficulties with all this is that no matter how hard we “strive” to do good, we all fail at times. Even recognizing and acknowledging that can be a wisdom that leads to a happy and satisfying life. The New Testament tells us that it takes Jesus. Colossians 2:3 tells us that “in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus is the personification of wisdom, and through our faith in Him, we find real life. I like the way The Message translates 2 Corinthians 5:15. It says, “He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.”