Don’t Worry Be Happy (Proverbs 3:13-18)


Finish this sentence.  Happy is…

God’s word says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13 NKJV) 

When you find wisdom and gain understanding, you are happy.  The definition of wisdom according to freedictionary.com is the ability to discern, judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. 

Worth of Wisdom

What is wisdom worth?  If we continue to read verses 14-15 of Proverbs chapter 3, it gives the worth of wisdom.

“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.” (Proverbs 3:14-15 NKJV)

What Wisdom Provides

Verses 16-18 explain what wisdom provides to us.  Below is a simple summary of what wisdom provides:  

  1. Longevity
  2. Wealth
  3. Enjoyment
  4. Peace
  5. Life
  6. Happiness
 
Source of Wisdom

The source of wisdom is the word of God.  When we make God’s word our main source for everything in our lives and not relying on our own strength, it will provide all as it says in verses 16-18.

And who is the word?  Jesus is the word, our source for life according to the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

“Don’t Worry Be Happy”

I remember the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.  I only remember the chorus of this song as it was a very catchy tune that was done in a cappella.  In 1988, it was the #1 pop hit song in the U.S.  It also was awarded Song of the Year in 1989 Grammy Awards, according to wikipedia.org.  It was a simple song that resonated with many American people.  Too many people are anxious and worried.  There is no joy or happiness.  

So if you lack longevity, wealth, enjoyment, peace, life and happiness, Jesus, the living word of God, is your source for all you need.

Prayer

So Lord our prayer today is that we will be happy.  We ask for wisdom.  For it says in James 1:5 that we can ask you for wisdom and it will be given to us. Proverbs 3 tells us what wisdom provides to us.  Your word is our source for everything, and that includes happiness.  I declare I am happy today and will show it to those around us that Jesus Christ in me is that source of happiness.  No matter what I see and hear around me, I believe in what your word says.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Citation:

“Proverbs 3 (NKJV) – She is more precious than.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 3 Jun, 2021. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/pro/3/15/s_631015>.

wisdom. (n.d.) American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011). Retrieved June 3 2021 from https://www.thefreedictionary.com/wisdom

Wikipedia contributors.  (2021, May 16). Bobby McFerrin.  In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Bobby_McFerrin&id=1023464763&wpFormIdentifier=titleform