Overall, this chapter is showing the prosperity of humans is not the work of humans, but the gift of God. No matter how good we are at our jobs, unless God is in our work, our work will be in vain. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t put forth the effort. For instance, at the end of verse 1, it’s not that the guard isn’t watching over the city, or that there isn’t a guard, but Solomon is saying that no matter how good that guard is, he effort is wasted if God is not the one the city hold closest to them. We have read many stories in the Bible about how great and powerful cities fell at the hands of a group who held the Lord high. So whatever work we do, whether it is to provide provisions for our family or just to have extra, we sold always do it with God by our side.
Many people work hard without having a God first in their life, if he is there at all. Sometimes these people have trouble sleeping. They toss ad turn wondering if they did everything they could. They are anxious about the next day. They worry about the future. There is always more to do in their mind. But those who have the Lord first can sleep and rest, knowing that God will help take care of all the worries. God is in control.
Continuing in this chapter, we read that children are a “gift,” a “reward,” and a “blessing.” In ancient times, the more sons a man had, the more forceful he would appear in disputes. He would have many advocates for the family intersects and security. They protect against loneliness and abandonment.
I always thought of verse 4 to mean our children were our future. They are the ones who will continue our work of spreading God’s word. They need to be carefully made and molded, given care. They must be aimed and guided. Like arrows, we will shot them into the world, and pray that they take God’s word with them and spread it when they land. I am raising arrows.
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