What Is Valuable to God?

A Study of Proverbs 3 and Related Texts

As the world debates what is valuable—gold, power, fame, or possessions—God defines value very differently. What our society esteems is often fleeting and shallow, but the Lord invites us to consider what is eternally meaningful. In Proverbs 3, we find a divine list of qualities that God considers priceless. These aren’t rare commodities or secret treasures—they’re spiritual attributes that every faithful heart can pursue.

The first of these is obedience from the heart. Proverbs 3:1–2 exhorts, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands.” God does not desire hollow ritual or mechanical rule-following—He wants heartfelt obedience. In the Hebrew mindset, the heart was the center of thought, emotion, and will. To obey from the heart is to surrender our whole self to God’s instruction. And what follows obedience? Length of days, long life, and peace—not as the world gives, but as God grants.

Next come mercy and truth (Proverbs 3:3–4). These two are often misunderstood or separated, but God binds them together. Mercy refers to steadfast love or covenant loyalty. Truth means faithfulness and reliability. Both are to be worn like a necklace close to the heart, bound around our nature. To be faithful without mercy is cold; to be merciful without truth is reckless. But together, they reflect the character of God Himself.

Trust in the Lord follows. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Trust is a leaning—a full confidence in the Lord as your only support. Just as a child trusts a loving father, the believer rests on God’s faithfulness. Psalm 37 and Psalm 119 reinforce this theme, showing that God rewards those who commit their way to Him. He will direct your paths, shining a lamp for your feet.

Closely tied to trust is humility. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). The truly wise person knows they don’t know everything. They don’t elevate their feelings or reasoning above God’s word. Proverbs 28:26 is blunt: “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.” Humility opens the door to reverence. When we humble ourselves, we begin to fear the Lord properly—and that fear leads to life, peace, and strength.

Finally, God calls us to generosity (Proverbs 3:9–10). “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase.” Giving God the best—not the leftovers—is a sign of true trust. This principle of firstfruits was central in Israel’s worship, and it remains a spiritual principle for us today. Malachi 1 and 3 rebuke those who gave blind, lame, or sick offerings. God wants the first and the best—and promises to open the storehouses of heaven when we give sacrificially.

These qualities—obedience, mercy and truth, trust, humility, and generosity—are what God values. They are not prized by the world, but they are precious in God’s sight. If we embrace them, He promises guidance, favor, peace, strength, and provision. Let us seek these eternal treasures and reject the fleeting promises of the world.

🗣️ Sermon Outline: What God Values

Text: Proverbs 3:1–10; Psalms 37; Malachi 1, 3

I. Obedience from the Heart

• God desires heartfelt obedience, not ritual (Proverbs 3:1–2)
• Obedience brings peace and longevity

II. Mercy and Truth Must Be Worn Together

• Bound like a necklace on the heart (Proverbs 3:3–4)
• Reflects God's covenant love and reliability

III. Trust in the Lord Completely

• Do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6)
• Psalm 37: Commit, delight, and trust in Him

IV. Humility Brings Reverence

• Don't be wise in your own eyes (Proverbs 3:7)
• Humility leads to health and spiritual strength

V. Generosity Is a Mark of Faith

• Give God the first and best (Proverbs 3:9–10)
• Malachi rebukes offering leftovers; God honors the generous

📝 Applications for Us Today

• Do I obey God’s word from my heart or just outwardly?
• Am I combining truth with mercy in my relationships?
• Have I placed my full trust in the Lord—or in myself?
• Am I humble enough to let God lead me?
• Do I give God my best, or only what’s left?