Sometimes I find myself reading sentences in the biblical text that are so packed full of truth, it is difficult to parse them in order to gain all the Wisdom made available. However, that is not the case when reading Solomon’s Book of Proverbs—these are statements or truths that also provide applicable practical instructions for living in God’s Wisdom. Remember, according to Scripture, Christ has been made Wisdom for believers, so Solomon is essentially referring to obeying the Lord—the Living Word (1 Cor 1:30).
The Wisdom literature was written and encouraged to be passed on from one generation to another—by being practical living examples—so people would not lose their fear of the Lord [respect and awe for God]. Solomon wanted the youth to know that living righteously was possible, but a person needs the Wisdom of the Lord as a Helper. Wisdom is revealed by how we live.
In our passage today, Solomon begins his Wisdom writings by telling the reader the purpose of them—to embrace humility and understand the knowledge of God. As well, Solomon reveals to whom they are addressed—both the simple and wise need to surrender in complete dependence upon God. We cannot know about life and ourselves, without knowing the Giver of life and the Creator who made us in his image. Proverbs teaches how to successfully navigate life with God. We are never too simple or too wise to learn from the Lord.
We can grow in Wisdom every single day. We do not need to walk in darkness, because a great Light [Revelation] has come to lead the Way. Solomon did receive great wisdom and understanding, but Jesus himself said Someone greater than Solomon was among humanity—Christ himself.
Let’s define Wisdom as basically choosing to apply the Truth of God’s Word to our lives. With this being said, we are invited to read the Book of Proverbs once a month; there are approximately thirty-one chapters, so a chapter a day is doable. Wisdom is personified as a woman, but that does not change the relevance of the passages for all human life. Proverbs will grow us in the righteous character and integrity of God which should be our goal for 2025. So, keep on reading…I’ll be reading with you!
Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
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Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
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Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
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These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
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Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
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by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
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Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Wisdom we can gain as we read the Book of Proverbs. We take this time to thank you for Christ who is Wisdom incarnate and who now lives in our hearts. In Christ, lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so we can live meaningful and successful lives in obedience to him. Help us to make a commitment to read, study, and look for the growth of wisdom in our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.