If you were to ask people to define freedom, most likely you would receive a wide range of responses to your question. Some might say that freedom is the ability to do whatever I want. Some might say that freedom is the absence of all restriction. Some might say that freedom is being released from an oppressive political regime. And on and on the answers could come. No one, however, would probably say that freedom is the presence of slavery and restriction. Yet, this is exactly how the Bible defines freedom.
In Proverbs 3:1-8 Solomon speaks to this reality in two ways. He writes:
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands. 2 For length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you. 3 Let not stedfast love and faithfulness forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will have favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust 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 straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Solomon begins this section by reminding his son to remember his teaching and to keep his commands (v. 1). He is placing restriction and boundaries on his son. He is telling him that he is not free to do whatever he wants, that a standard of right and wrong does exist, and that he will be held accountable to it. After reminding his son of the restriction on his life, Solomon then explains the benefits of these restrictions (vv. 2-4). If his son will submit himself to these commands, then he will have length of days and years of life. They will give him peace and he will have favor in the sight of God and man. The burden of life is lifted from the man who submits himself to God. Solomon then tells his son to trust in the Lord and the Lord’s plans for his life, and to not lean on his own understanding (vv. 5-7). He cautions him against being wise in his own eyes and challenges him to fear the Lord and turn away from evil. again here Solomon is placing restriction on his son, telling him that he does not know what is best for his life. His son must trust in something outside of himself, and cannot simply do what he wants. As a result of these restrictions, Solomon’s son will experience healing and refreshment (v. 8). When he submits himself to the Lord, the burden of life is lifted from his shoulders. He no longer has to try and figure out his life because the Lord has it planned for him.
The present American culture does not like this idea of freedom through restriction. At every turn the culture is telling us to do what we want and to seek as much pleasure as we can. What people must realize is that everyone is a slave to something. Whether it’s the government, another person, your own desires, a religious code, or the Bible, you will be ins laved by something. Only in the gospel can a person experience freedom in their slavery.