The book of Proverbs and wisdom go hand-in-hand, as lessons for “skillful living” are handed down from the Sage to the hearer, from dad (Solomon) to son. Vivid pictures are painted concerning the comparison of wisdom and folly/foolishness. The first 9 chapters consist of this comparison, followed by 23 more chapters of specifics, one-liners, and the reader must always be careful to use entire verses when considering Proverbs for life lessons.
The first five chapters are the topic today, and my thoughts are very much in summary format, including some specific applications and general thoughts on a Christian’s effort to live wisely for God.
Indeed, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom, so we see a close link between knowledge and wisdom. We are to be careful, though, in that knowledge alone can certainly puff us up (1 Cor. 8:1). This leaves me to understand that to know how to live wisely for God, we must know who He is. Once we get that squared away, then it becomes evident that the wise life is the best response to Him and what He has done. So we have a choice to make in how we live.
We might think that God makes it hard to figure this out. On the contrary, in Prov. 1, verses 20ff, wisdom is in clear sight, easily heard at the head of the street above the noise, “she” is at the city gate, where anyone passing by will see and hear the call to the wise life. Some simply refuse that call.
In chapter 2, along with several other places, the repetition of the pleas to “hear”, “listen”, “receive my words”, “pay attention” and so on are so evident. The decision to life with God in mind, on purpose, is not just a given in the believer’s life. We see wisdom and foolishness on display regularly, and need to choose between them. The goal is to make more and more wise choices out of our conscious repetition, “good habits” if you will, but never out of rote memory, but rather from a willful obedience to God. The reason in chapter 2 is clear; the wise life is the secure life. We are to eagerly seek that life.
The familiar verses in chapter 3, where we are to lean not on our own understanding, are often left open without answering the question “why?” That answers follows in verse 8. Fearing the Lord and turning away (an active process) results in healing of all that hurts, refreshment to an otherwise starving existence. To the ancient reader, at times the act of lying down could be considered dangerous, because it left one vulnerable. God invites us to lie down in sweet sleep, resting in the security that life in Him really brings.
More actions are illustrated in chapter 4, to name a few: avoid the path of the wicked; put away a deceitful mouth; give attention to the words of instruction; keep your gaze straight ahead. A person living a God-filled life ignores the distractions of the lost life, and makes a conscious decision and effort to keep from the ungodly behaviors, and engage in the godly ones. That might seem general in nature, and the point is to include and involve God in all of our decisions.
Finally, take a good look at the trappings of immorality in chapter 5. What seems enticing, attractive, and almost “too good to be true” are hallmarks of temptation and options that lead to ruin in the Christian life. This “adulteress” is directly connected to death and destruction, and she does not for an instant seek the path that the righteous are to be on. That path, back a chapter, gets brighter and brighter as one makes more and more righteous decisions.
Yet we do not accidentally wander into temptation and sin. No, those elements are actively around us, on display, like candy on the store shelf for the simple buying. The skill in the life lived for God is developed with a reliance on Him and His Word for guidance. Join me in the seeking of His wisdom, and pray with me for the strength and faith to follow what He says.
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