Five things in Jochebed’s story that reflect the teaching of Proverbs 3:5–6 and have been applicable to my life these fifty-one years of family life and ministry.

The book of Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Holy Scriptures. I’ve encouraged our congregation to pore over Proverbs daily by reading the chapter that matches the number of the day. As a pastor, I’ve preached through the Proverbs twice under the heading “Powerful Principles from the Proverbs” wherein I’ve covered a theme of one or several verses from one chapter each week on a Sunday night. This has proven beneficial to me and to others.

One of my favorite chapters in the book is Proverbs 3. Since coming to faith in 1969, I have learned so many foundational truths from these few verses, especially verses 1–12. They’ve guided me these fifty-five years since I began my study as a teenager who had no Christian foundation. Let’s look at a few of those truths together.

God’s Word is a record of faith—faith to believe and be saved, faith to live, faith by which to die. God’s Word gives us many examples of saints from the past living out two very familiar verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths. (Prov. 3:5–6)

 

These verses are easy for us to memorize and quote but much harder to obey and thus persevere in the day-to-day, especially as we live in a world that wants us to rely on our own knowledge and sight. The world, therefore, mocks and chides the child of God who steps out in faith and obedience to the Lord. Remember the graciousness of the Lord’s wisdom to reveal in His Word both those who took this principle to heart to obey as well as the error and downfall of many who didn’t.

We see the commendation by the Lord of many of those saints of old, recorded in Hebrews 11, who, not having the book of Proverbs in hand to read and quote, nevertheless strode ahead in obedience “by faith” in the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). We read of their courage to endure as “seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27).

You may notice that some of the names in this “Hall of Faith” chapter are not given in the narrative of Hebrews 11:23, but their actions stand out. For example, Amram and Jochebed (the parents of Moses) are not named in Hebrews 11:23, but Jochebed’s actions of faith are apparent. Her actions demonstrate the trust that is discussed in Proverbs 3:5–6.

The word “trust” in Proverbs 3:5 is complete dependence on another. It entails dependence on God’s Word and His promises. We display a similar kind of trust every time we sit in a chair. We don’t sit halfway and then slowly progress into the chair, holding our breath, expecting the possibility of a crash to the floor. No, many times, we plop down with some force on the chair.

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