The book of Proverbs is filled with tidbits of knowledge to guide us along our journey here on earth. It is 31 chapters and could easily be studied monthly by reading one chapter per day. But why would one do that? This one book is filled with wise admonitions, instructions on living, and thought-provoking discussions. Thereby, instructing us on how to make the right choices in every aspect of life.If we desire to make prudent and wise decisions, Proverbs is our guide. Packed tightly into these 31 chapters are answers to nearly every dilemma we could ever face. It shows us how to think with a discerning mind. How exciting is that! Knowing the right answer to whatever question arises because you have hidden these treasures within your heart and mind.
Proverbs is like God’s Guidebook, neatly packed with illustrations to help us remember, comparisons, and parallels. All these methods allow for a lot of information to be given in fewer words, so that they are easier to remember in decisive moments of our life. But it also requires reflection and study to grasp the depth of wisdom present. Proverbs contains moral and ethical elements describing the choices one needs to make to live a life filled with right choices because of our relationship with God. Perhaps to begin with we need to consider from whom came the wisdom—God who bestowed it upon Solomon.
1 Kings 4: “29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
Proverbs: True Wisdom is from God
Look further at what was said of the proverbs of Solomon.
30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all men…and his fame was in all nations round about. 32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five…. 34 And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.” I Kings 4:
To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:24-25 NET
So, for us to seek wisdom is synonymous with seeking Jesus, for without Him we cannot find true wisdom.
Jesus spoke rebuked the scribes and the Pharisees for their pretentious wisdom. Much as we could say today of the “wisdom” we hear daily from the “so called” experts on every subject.
MATTHEW 12:34-37 (NET)
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Proverbs, worldly wisdom, and coming judgement
38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. (Matthew 12: 38-45 NET).
Concluding Thoughts:
Why is studying the book of Proverbs so important? It is a handbook on how to effectively live a life that is righteous, just, and discerning. Thereby, we can live a life of joy, knowing we have made the right choices along this journey. Furthermore, we come to know God and to reverence Him with the respect and love He so deserves from us. Therein, we find joy, hope, and peace both in this life and throughout eternity.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. 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.
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