Concentrated flavors and food items line the grocery shelves and coolers. More than just removing a significant amount of water, many concentrated foods have a higher density of flavors and or nutrients. For example, I just recently purchased a package of very tasty concentrated beef protein sticks—filled with dense protein and good fats that I can grab on the go. It was a wise purchase as sometimes I need to eat something that will give me the fuel to keep going until I can eat a meal.
Moving beyond concentrated physical food, truth is concentrated fuel for our souls and the Book of Proverbs many times provides profound and nourishing wisdom in a simple concentrated sentence. Essentially, a proverb is a statement of truth that wraps up an enormous amount of wisdom which has the potential to change a person’s life for the good. Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs which is filled with principles for wise living. Within the sentences, we will recognize problems common to humanity, our need for wise counsel, and the call of God for correction.
Jesus is Wisdom incarnate, so we must read the wisdom writings with Jesus in mind who emulated them perfectly (1 Cor 1:30). We are being made in the image of Christ (1 Cor 15:49). Did you know there are thirty-one chapters in the Book of Proverbs? One chapter a day for most months; then it’s time to start over. If we truly desire to apply the Word of God, Solomon’s wisdom literature is packed with highly concentrated truth nuggets to sustain spiritual life. So, dig in…
Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2
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.
4
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: Every day we need you, Lord; your wisdom sustains us and helps us navigate in this menacing and sinful world. In reverence and deference to you and the way you get truth to our hearts, we submit to the work of the Living Word and ask for you to keep us moving forward in spite of the obstacles we may face each day. Allow Wisdom to rise up within us and helps us radiate your glorious image, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.