Proverbs 1
The Beginning of Knowledge
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

More than just a book of writings and sayings from some ancient wise men, the Book of Proverbs teaches biblical wisdom and instructions for godly living. It has stood the test of time enduring throughout many generations spanning over thousands of years. They are still both practical and applicable today!
 
This book explores right and wrong values, moral and immoral behaviours, right and wrong conduct in life, for both young and old.
 
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. By submitting to the will of God, we will begin to gain godly wisdom and instructions for righteous living! By seeking God, we will increase in our knowledge of the Lord, and know what He truly desires us to do and to be!
 
Though most of the proverbs were written by King Solomon, other authors include Agur the son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30), King Lemuel (Proverbs 31), and some other wise men (Proverbs 22:17-29).
 
The effects and truth of the proverbs must be viewed in the eyes of the Lord. We cannot lean on our own understanding, viewing the proverbs with our human eyes. Sometimes, the outcomes and results may not seem to be real in our life. Sometimes, the ways of the world seem to be winning when the wicked ones prosper, when evil prevails, and when injustice reigns. But the ways of God are always higher than our ways and the ways of the world! The truth of the matter will stand, and be revealed eventually through heaven's eyes.
 
How can we comprehend what our life is really worth? Or how do we measure our true value in life? In dollars and cents or in something more valuable and eternal? We can never see through the eyes of man or through the happenings and circumstances around us. We must learn how to look at our life through the eyes of the Lord.
 
The purpose of these proverbs is to teach us wisdom and discipline, and to help us to understand the insights of the wise. They will teach us how to live disciplined and godly lives, and to help us to do what is right, just and fair in the sight of God. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, and knowledge and discernment to the young.
 
The wise who listen to these proverbs will become even wiser. Those with understanding will receive guidance by exploring the meanings in these proverbs and parables.
 
Most of the proverbs make a comparison, contrasting two opposites. If we do this, this may happen; and if we do that, that may happen. Some are clear and powerful; some are provocative and challenging; some are absorbing and intriguing; and some are fascinating and riveting. But all will help us to increase in the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord!
 
As we acquire godly wisdom, we will be able to know how to avoid pitfalls and slippery paths along the journey of life. We will wise up, not following some foolish ways, and committing the follies of sins. Our personal well-being will result in happy family relationships, and good standings in our community. Our righteous works will be fruitful, and be greatly rewarded!
 
Though the Book of Proverbs is a practical book dealing with the art of righteous living, it is also a spiritual book dealing with our life in Christ. This life begins by having a holy reverence for Him. As we walk with Christ, we will learn how to have complete reliance on Him. He will keep us on the path leading to abundant life in Him!
 
There is a wide array of topics and themes for daily living:

• diligence versus laziness
• true friendship versus bad company
• decent conversations versus slanderous gossips
• godly marriage relationships versus adulterous and unfaithful affairs
• nurturing versus spoiling during child growth
• proper jobs versus get-rich-quick schemes
• honest versus dishonest trades
• peaceful versus violent ways
• good manners versus bad behaviours

It is a book of making right choices. Choosing the ways of wisdom that lead to righteous living or the ways of folly that lead to paths of destruction. Choosing to remain holy by following godly desires or to fall into temptations by following lustful thoughts. Choosing to do honest and diligent labour or to exploit and oppress others to work as slaves on our behalf.
 
The Book also deals with sexual purity of young people, and marriage roles and responsibilities of married couples. How to avoid peer pressure which may result in unacceptable or undesirable behaviours. How to avoid temptations by not walking in enticing paths that may lead to sinful and immoral lifestyles!
 
The will of God is applicable in every aspect of our life. We can only have a healthy and proper relationship with God when we begin to understand His ways and His truths. By trusting and obeying Him, we will then live a life that is truly blessed and fruitful.

Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

This abundant life in Christ does not just happen. We must seek God diligently, and be willing to do what pleases Him! We must learn how to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and never rely on what we think or understand. We must remember the Lord in everything we do, and He will show us the right way. We must never think that we are wiser than we are. We must obey the Lord, and refuse to do wrong.

As we grow in the Lord, we will become godly and wiser!

 
Written on 17 August 2021