BLUF: Firmness in Allegiance

Context: Solomon (the father) was instructing his hearer (the son) in wisdom.

Text: “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart” (Pr 3:3).

Encouragement: The imagery here is so beautiful. It’s imagery of vestments, of ornamentation, of clothing—but not for purposes of show or ostentation. The purpose is inward, not outward. What’s internal shapes what is made external. And what does the father here instruct the son in? Steadfastness. In firmness of allegiance. In confirming that the character of the man is first. Character is destiny. “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket,” if you will.

The father’s wisdom is that firmness in allegiance to the right things is crucial. That steadfastness of soul being anchored in righteousness is of primary importance. The easiest thing in the world to do is gain the world but forfeit our souls. The wise person knows that is folly—to trade the temporal for the eternal, to settle for the applause of men rather than the commendation of God. Choose wisely.