https://odb.org/2026/06/19/the-path-of-life
Proverbs 3:1–6 (NIV): 3 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
We sometimes feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. We experience setbacks. We find ourselves at a loss for where we should go. But Proverbs encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (v. 5). This is the Bible’s way of saying, “Let go and let God” lead your life. George Washington Carver followed God’s path, persevering against all odds, teaching himself botany and geology and eventually becoming a renowned scientist. He famously developed hundreds of uses for the peanut plant but also developed methods of crop rotation that revolutionized agriculture in the United States. God has a way of making the best out of bad situations. Whatever you’re facing today, the key is to “acknowledge Him” and listen for His voice. Watch Him open up the paths of your life. (Kenneth Petersen, Our Daily Bread 19th June 2023)
Throughout Scripture, we also find that in this fallen world God’s people often experience great hardship. Instead, the chapter points to the principle that since the world was created by God’s wisdom, human beings are most likely to thrive when they live in alignment with that wisdom. Peace in verse 2 (of Proverbs 3) is the Hebrew word shalom, a rich word capturing not just absence of conflict but flourishing. It describes a rich and abundant life. Shalom points to the world as it’s meant to be. When there’s harmony between God and creation, everyone thrives. Whatever we face, seeking God’s wisdom and direction can bring new life and hope to our situation. (Monica La Rose, Insight, Our Daily Bread 17th June 2026)
Our Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is famous for arguing that we did not choose to be born as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Iban. Thus it is not right to exclude any minority from the administration as everyone should be able to participate in governing the country. It is good point as Malaysia should celebrate our diversity, instead of focusing on the superiority of one ethno-religious community to the exclusion of others.
Therefore, as believers, we did not have a choice too – having been born in Malaysia as a minority or generally, having to go through a life of struggles or hardship. We wish we are surrounded by luxury, we can travel in style and comfort, and dine at the best Michelin restaurants but most of our realities are that life is not easy although we know that’s actually relative. Some of our lives are fraught with more challenges like we may be born with a congenital health condition or we face difficulty adapting at work or socialising in school or college.
However, because we know Christ, we have a tangible advantage in that we could live in harmony with God’s wisdom. Not having an easy life but nevertheless we live in the centre of God’s will, in His shalom. In Monica La Rose’s words – shalom a rich word capturing not just absence of conflict but flourishing. It describes a rich and abundant life. Shalom points to the world as it’s meant to be. When there’s harmony between God and creation, everyone thrives.
This is, in my view, always the balance we need to achieve in our walk of faith. We stay close to the ground to live out life and yet tap on the wisdom of heaven, that in the process, we experience the shalom of the LORD our God. A peace that transcends all understanding. Not only the spiritual matters (although it is true the eternal destiny of our souls matters the most), but the natural also. This is because we need to live in the natural. So since we have access to the spiritual and supernatural, why not align ourselves with God’s wisdom and abundant grace and mercy? Besides fulfilling God’s plans and purposes for our lives, we will live in the equilibrium, the perfect balance between the natural and the spiritual.
Have a good weekend, everyone! May we meet Him face to face in the spirit as we make the effort to go to church for worship this Sunday! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 