Year of the Bible: Part Seven of TwelveSampel

The Ultimate Prize: Wisdom

The Book of Proverbs differs from all others in the Bible, primarily a collection of individual statements rather than recounting a story or unpacking some theological doctrine. Without many specific statements about God, this book is more of a collection of practical life wisdom. The statements in Proverbs are generally not promises to stand upon but principles of wisdom for a life that goes well; however, in the same way that one believes a promise of God, it is faith in the truth and rewards of a proverb that empowers us to obey it.

The writer explains that Godly wisdom is not a prize that goes only to the most educated or powerful, but to those with a right and humble attitude. There is a touching moment where a father speaks longingly to his son, saying, “please hear and listen to us, your parents” (Proverbs 23:22). The heart of a parent, who has more life experience and knowledge, is for their child to embrace that life experience and not foolishly disdain wise advice. Like a crown on the head, the wisdom of a parent adorns the life of a child.

One of the first themes in this book is a warning about the enticements of sin and temptation. Sin promises but never delivers! Sinners want you to join their bandwagon to gain profit at the expense of others, but in the end, those who do wrong pay the most expensive bill.

The writer says that when the wisdom of the godly or more experienced person is rejected, the Lord has no Plan B for the fool. When a person foolishly tests the law of gravity by jumping off of a roof, there is no turning back halfway down; likewise, when the consequences of foolish pride begin to fall, fall they must.

Question: The Bible speaks of obeying parents as the only command that comes with a promise: the promise being that it will go well with you. How did you do in that relationship, and what blessings or consequences do you see as a result?

Prayer: Be thankful that whatever our past, God always has a way forward if we will lay aside our pride and resistance to receiving the spirit of wisdom from authorities in our life. Allow the Holy Spirit to do a heart check and show you any area where you’ve resisted clear wisdom from the Word of God. When you turn in humble prayer, God can pour the spirit of wisdom upon you.