For the 17 years I was a chaplain or teacher at Chamberlain-Hunt Academy, I saw the King James Version translation of Proverbs 3:6 over the proscenium in the chapel. It was a daily reminder to me, and to all the young people the institution served, to put God first in all the decisions that we make.

But what does it mean to acknowledge God? What does it mean to put God first in our lives? The previous verse gives us both a positive and a negative perspective: we should trust God, and that necessarily means not relying only on our own reason, our own feelings, or our own experience.

And of course trusting God works itself out in many ways in our lives. Verse 7 reminds us that since God is, after all, the Almighty creator of the heavens and the earth, we should fear Him, standing in awe and reverence of Him, obeying Him even when our reason or our desires pull us in different directions. And verse 1 points out that such respectful obedience to God always involves keeping God’s commandments.

And there are, after all, many benefits to a life lived in submission to God’s will. Verse 2 says that a godly life tends to be longer and more peaceful – and any alcoholic or junkie could ruefully attest to that. Verse 4 says that godly people tend to be more respected and more successful – and any colleague would agree that it’s a lot more pleasant and productive to work with someone who is gracious and generous than with someone who is a self-centered jerk.

And verses 9 and 10 remind us of what the most cursory examination of world history affirms – individuals and societies that honor the Lord, thus respecting the rule of law, valuing self-sacrifice, respecting people as image-bearers of God but also viewing them realistically as sinners saved only by God’s grace – it is these sorts of people and cultures that tend to be prosperous. In contrast, those who focus only on themselves and use force to try to control everyone else, well, they tend to end up on the ash-heap of history.

So today, let’s acknowledge God in all our ways, seeking to know His will and to put it into practice in all we do. Let’s turn away from our self-centered pride and receive His free pardon, devoting ourselves completely to His service and living only for His glory. For that’s really the only way to live the good life.

Proverbs 3:1-10 (NASB)

My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life, And peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.