The Book of Proverbs and Wisdom
The book of Proverbs is a collection of brief, moral statements that compare common things to life’s most profound truths. Solomon’s purpose for writing these ‘pithy sayings’ was to encourage people to contemplate both their fear of God and living by His wisdom (Pr 1:7).
Wisdom is the knowledge that comes from the right relationship with God
Whether we are young or old, wisdom is the ability to think about life’s important issues and make wise decisions. This kind of wisdom is the foundation upon which our entire lives are built.
It’s the kind of wisdom that gives us the strength to overcome our natural tendencies towards foolishness and evil. It’s the wisdom that will allow us to live in a way that will benefit others and cause us to become better citizens of God’s kingdom.
Affection and reverence are the two most essential elements in this kind of wisdom. It is the kind of wisdom that enables a person to love the Lord with their whole heart and soul and to trust Him completely even when things are going wrong.
These are the kinds of things that will bring lasting peace into one’s life and family. It’s the kind of wisdom that will help you make wise choices in life, in marriage and in the workplace.
The term “fear of the LORD” is used more than a dozen times in this book and it is emphasized repeatedly in verse 7. This phrase means a deep and reverent respect for God as a holy and loving Father. It also implies an unwavering commitment to the truth and faithfulness of God’s Word.
This kind of wisdom cannot be cultivated by any human effort, ingenuity or energy but it can only come from a right relationship with God.
In contrast, the ungodly will not have this kind of wisdom but they will instead have the opposite: folly and sin.
Those who choose to follow the ways of the ungodly will find themselves trapped and eventually condemned by God for their foolishness. This is why it is so important to be mindful of the ways we choose to pursue wisdom in our lives.
The book of Proverbs is not just about character formation; it is also about helping our youth to make the most of their stewardship in this world, so that they will be rewarded at the end for making the right choice.
This is the theme of the first chapter of Proverbs and it is one that runs throughout the entire book. It is a reminder that the wise will be secure in their homes and in their lives, while those who choose to pursue foolishness will be vulnerable and eventually destroyed for their lack of wisdom.
