Oh y'all I am super excited about this! I started to feel the prompt to focus study on Proverbs a few months ago. I wondered and prayed.....where do we even start? - At the beginning of course.
Proverbs by definition is stating a general truth or piece of advice.
The Bible says that Proverbs is a collection of practical life wisdom.
Proverbs Chapter One is titled "Wisdom's Beginning"and was written by Solomon. We are told that Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. He asked God for wisdom to govern well and God gave him wisdom.
Though wise, Solomon didn't always make the best choices.....1 Kings 11 tells us that he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Say what?! Isn't one car helper enough? Anyway - clearly he wasn't wise in all things. I imagine he wrote his portions of Proverbs in his older years after he'd learned much in his life experiences. All scripture is God breathed....when Solomon was ready, God inspired him to share. I imagine God saying.....now you are ready.
I wonder did he look back with regret while he wrote?
I do.
When I was a teenager, I remember my Mom telling me that Proverbs was like a road map for your life. How I wish I had wrapped myself in these teachings and listened - what heartache I would have escaped, what heartache I wouldn't have inflicted on others!
I don't know where you are in your walk but please hear me - I beg you to cling to God's Word, seek Him in all that you do! This old woman chose the hard path more times than I can count....I don't want that for you!
Back to wisdom......let's get some!
Wisdom verses Knowledge
Knowledge = a collection of facts.
Wisdom = the right use of what we know for daily living.
Wisdom is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. - my NIV study Bible
"The God given ability to make good decisions." - Tony Evans
This is the best best best example I have ever read -
Knowledge can tell one how financial systems work; wisdom manages the budget properly.
LOVE! Not just because I am an accounting nerd by day - BFF is also. Nerds of a feather! :)
Wisdom is not about what you can do, but about how you live your life before the Lord.
I think it is important here to understand what Fear of the Lord is - These are definitions and quotes from folks far smarter than me.
The proper reverence that the creature owes to the Creator and that the redeemed owes the Redeemer.
To live in awe of His power and obey His Word.
The proper respect and honoring of God.
"The affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father's law." - Bridges
"A worshiping submission to the God of the covenant." - Kidner
Respect - Reverence - Awe
A fear that combines love and obedience.
"The fear of the Lord ultimately expresses reverential submission to the Lord's Will and thus characterizes a true worshiper." - Ross
"The fear of the Lord signifies that religious reverence which the intelligent being owes to the Creator." - Clarke
Let the whole world fear the Lord,
and let everyone stand in awe of Him!
For when He spoke, the world began!
It appeared at His command!
Psalms 33:8-9
Fun fact - "The Fear of the Lord" is repeated 14 times in Proverbs.
Fear of the Lord is the beginning - also said in some versions the foundation of knowledge.
"It is not possible to be truly wise without fearing the Lord." - Tony Evans
The first thing - the best thing - the best and controlling principle.
It's a right relationship.
The proper attitude of the creature toward the Creator IS the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. --> --> Wisdom cannot advance further until this starting point is established.
"The fundamental fact, then, is that in all knowledge, all understanding of life, all interpretation thereof, the fear of Jehovah is the principle thing, the chief part, the central light, apart from which the mind of man gropes in darkness and misses the way." - Morgan
Now that we have that foundation - let's talk about the fool.
Fool = a person lacking in judgement, understanding and reason.
dingbat, doofus, nitwit, ding-dong, half-wit, simpleton, kooky, loony, senseless, silly, stupid, weak-minded, cotton-headed ninnymuggin
Fools DESPISE wisdom and instruction.
Despise = abhor, detest, hate, loathe, regard as unworthy.
What arrogance must fill a person to despise wisdom and instruction?! How self-absorbed must they be?! Where exactly do they think they are gonna get wisdom? From books? School? Within? How many know-it-all's do you know? Aren't we all one?
To receive God's wisdom wouldn't that require us to be humble.....teachable....mold-able - Clay in the Potter's hands.
Wouldn't we have to die to self and surrender our way continuously? Daily? Your way not mine, Lord! Wouldn't we need to be disciplined?
Wouldn't all of this require faith?
Faith in God should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes and your actions. Trust in God - He will make you truly wise. - my NIV Study Bible
The Bible is full of verses about wisdom! Here are just a few - dig in for yourself!
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
Proverbs 3: 13-18
The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
Proverbs 3:35
Get wisdom; develop good judgement.
Don't forget my words or turn away from them.
Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you!
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever you do, develop good judgement.
If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.
Proverbs 4:5-9
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.
Psalms 90:12
I will leave you with this last one from 2 Timothy - Paul is writing his last letter, a letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, who would carry on where Paul leaves off.
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17