Day 154 – Proverbs 1-3

Talking Points

• God blesses Solomon with great wisdom. In these proverbs, written by him and others, that same Godly wisdom is preserved and passed on to us!
• The goal is outlined: to know wisdom and instruction, to have discernment, to be directed in wise actions, to possess righteousness, justice, and fairness, to mature the young and naive, to increase our knowledge. These are all things we should desire and diligently seek.
• The greatest truth is that everything starts with and is grounded in deeply knowing God. As He is the Creator of all, the only One perfect in knowledge and infinite in wisdom, any pursuit of truth and wisdom must begin and end with God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (1:7)
• Part of walking in wisdom is being aware of the constant enticement to abandon Godly wisdom and live in sin. Many are those who would lead you away. Foolishness loves company!
• Wisdom, with all its great benefits, is available to us. God makes it accessible and understandable. He actually pleads with us to take and heed it! It is not hidden or revealed in pieces like some puzzle to be assembled. It actually “calls out” to us (1:24).

Thoughts

The Hebrew word for proverbs means “parables” or “comparisons,” which is incredibly fitting for this book. It is full of short parables and understandable comparisons between those who love, possess, and act in Godly wisdom and righteousness, and those who don’t. It is a stark contrast.

So, here’s the question we each have to ask ourselves as we read through this book: Which camp do I fall into? As I read these comparisons and these instructions, I find myself longing for more wisdom, for more understanding, that I may be delivered “from the way of evil” and “keep to the paths of righteousness” (2:12, 20).

God says that He “gives wisdom…knowledge and understanding” (2:6). He says that He “gives to all generously and without reproach” if we will seek it, asking Him for it in faith (James 1:5).

And, so, we land at the same place we’ve always been: It’s all a matter of trust. Do I trust God? Is my confidence in Him? Do I believe that He can and will grant me wisdom and understanding? Do I value His wisdom, trust His ways? Do I believe His paths are straight? Do I trust Him in the big areas and the small areas alike? Am I still holding something back, still arrogantly foolish in some areas? Am I still leaning on my own understanding?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6