In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. This week we study the book of Proverbs. This book is among the books of the Bible referred to as wisdom books. It is not law, prophecy, nor history. Along with Job, Ecclesiastes, and Psalms, it holds a special study discipline known as wisdom literature. Therefore, we must approach its study with that distinction in mind. Yet, the book of Proverbs is very practical to our daily routines of life. Its theme is about choosing wisdom over foolishness. Broken into tiny nuggets of knowledge, it exhorts us to live a life of morality and justice. It is a guide of how-to live-in relationship to God, to others, and within our own being. If we have any hope to absolutely know joy in this life, we are encouraged to do so by choosing wisdom from God.
All too often, Proverbs is quoted in a manner that we should try harder, do better, and thereby gain the rewards noted. However, the book of proverbs is not based on the law. Nor is it the guide to reaching God’s favor by works. An in-depth study of Proverbs would lead us to recognize that we again, of our own volition would fail to meet up to any of the practical standards laid out for us. Most of the Proverbs deal with making wise choices, obeying our parents, guarding our tongues, and working hard (Do not be lazy). In fact, last Sunday I listened to an audio version of Proverbs as I cleaned my room. It was not long before I realized that I had heard, “do not be lazy” repeatedly throughout. In fact, out of 31 chapters the reference to lazy in the NLT is 20 times.
Choosing Wisdom
So, what is the importance of studying the book of Proverbs. It is like a roadmap to help us discover the right choices that honor God. After all, Jesus is the perfect son spoken of. He holds all the treasures of both wisdom and knowledge. As we learn of wisdom, we learn of Him. Is that not fully reason enough to desire to study this book? Just to know Him more!
A Guide to Study
The Book of Proverbs is broken down differently than any other book. It begins with a basic instruction guide as to why it is important and what we are to glean from studying it.
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice, and integrity;
4 To give prudence to the naive,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,
5 A wise person will hear and increase in learning,
And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and a saying,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
So, the purpose of the book of proverbs is to truly know wisdom. And this is more than a head knowledge of wisdom. We are to internalize the instructions of God’s blueprint for life, providing us discernment in every detail and choice of our life. It provides us instruction on how to behave wisely, demonstrating righteousness, justice, and integrity with all that we do. Prudence means good judgement, astute common sense. Therefore, the proverbs within this book are to teach even the naïve how to make good, right choices. But above all else, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge while fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
It proceeds on through Chapter 9 with this detailed layout as to all the reasons why it would be prudent to study this while still a youth. Thereby laying out a solid foundation from which one can further make choices in life. Also, these are excellent for us to use as parents and grandparents.
Secondary Guide to Choosing Wisdom from God
After the first 9 chapters in which Solomon keeps addressing, my son. The next group of Proverbs is addressed to everyone regardless of age or status. Proverbs 10:1-22:16 are from Solomon and 22:17-24:34 are chosen from various wise men and recorded by Solomon. Then 25:1-29:27 is a collection that Hezekiah made of Solomon’s proverbs. We are told in I Kings 4:32 that Solomon “spoke 3000 proverbs and his songs were 1005. Of these we are only given a few comparatively. In fact, we only have two of his songs recorded in Psalm 72 and 127. However, what we do know with certainty is that all scripture is inspired by God and preserved for His set purpose of bringing forth the glorious truth of Jesus Christ and God’s plan of salvation.
That indeed is the purpose of the book of Proverbs as well. It is not, as often used, a book to give praise to the self-righteous, promising a prosperity gospel to all who pull themselves up and live what they believe to be a righteous life. It is rather a guide to show us the way we should respond and live; but, knowing we cannot do it without the perfect son who did live the perfect righteous life for us. The one who died in our place. Never forget this truth as you study the book of Proverbs.
Choosing wisdom to the Glory of God in Jesus Christ
The word of God is to equip us, not to promise us some pie in the sky fantasy of everything perfect while in this broken world. As Paul wrote to Timothy,
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3 (NASB)
The basic principles of justice, righteousness, and walking with God laid out in Proverbs are what we are to aspire to. To be like Jesus in all that we do. So, yes, the basics are right; but, we can only accomplish these by His mercy and grace. All that being said, we must aspire to these with His power to help us.
What are the main themes addressed?
- Relationship with God
- Trusting God
- Humility before Him
- Reverence to God—a proper based fear or desire to please
- Righteousness
- Obedience
- Blessings
- Sin
- When facing death
- Facing Test
- Rewards
- Relationship to Self
- Character
- Wisdom
- Foolishness
- Speech—control the tongue (only honor God)
- Self-Control
- Kindness
- Money matters
- Pride
- Anger
- Laziness
- Relationship to others
- Love
- Friends
- Enemies
- Truthfulness
- DO NOT GOSSIP, DO NOT LIE
- Relationship as a father
- Being a mother
- As Children
- Education of children
- Disciplining of children
When Choosing Wisdom not Folly
One of the greatest themes in the book of Proverbs is choosing wisdom and not folly. But if we are honest, who are those who are foolish? Is it not you and I. Look at this:
There are six things that the Lord hates,
Seven that are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who declares lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers. Proverbs 6
Have you ever told a lie or beamed with self-pride? Did you ever stop to plot a means to pay back someone you thought had hurt you? Ever run to evil or falsely whisper about someone else? Or did you ever spread strife among supposed friends? Yes, even the old testament book of Proverbs points us to Jesus Christ, the perfect righteousness of God who covers us with His righteousness.
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. Romans 3: (NASB).
So, how can we absolutely know joy by choosing wisdom from God?
We study His word, writing it in our hearts. I suggest you add one Proverb daily to your Bible study. That act will help you to grasp these tidbits of God’s righteousness to guide you in each choice you make.
Thank God for His mercy and grace which He so richly poured out on you.
Never forget, in Him you are a new creation, created for good works.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, 10 regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
11 In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe.
These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Previously
DISCLOSURES
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Photo licensed from Goodsalt