Proverbial Wisdom 2

The topic of the Bible’s proverbs was the subject of a previous entry, but a single entry could do little more than scratch the surface of the wisdom contained in the Book of Proverbs. One of the things that makes the Bible’s proverbs so special is the fact that even hundreds of years after most of them were written, they are still as poignant and relevant as they ever were. In fact, if one wasn’t told differently, a person might believe that some of the proverbs are actually modern sayings. 

Another good thing about the proverbs is that they provide insight into God’s thinking and desires in short and easy to understand portions. Reading the Bible is important, but some portions of the Bible may require extensive reading and studying to understand what God is trying to say. That is not a problem with the proverbs. Sometimes it is good to have something simple; something on which you can focus and place in your heart to ensure that it has an impact on your life.

Let’s consider some of the concerns facing people in today’s world. We are in the middle of an economic downturn, and some people are really struggling. Unfortunately, it hasn’t always been clear what the Christian stance should be during times like these. We’ve heard plenty of Christians speak out, but the messages being delivered aren’t always consistent. What does God really expect from us?

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. - Proverbs 31:8-9

This proverb was something said to a king named Lemuel by his mother. That makes it particularly interesting. The Bible is telling us that people with power, influence, and riches should be advocates for those who are in need. Too often in our world, we see that people in power often are the opposite. They mistreat and seemingly despise the poor. That is clearly not what God wants. However, it is just as clear that caring for the needy is not just a duty of the rich and powerful.

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. - Proverbs 14:31

It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Mistreating the poor isn’t just bad action directed towards one’s fellow human beings. God sees it as an affront to Himself. As we go through these hard times, we are supposed to treat those who are suffering most with kindness. That is how we please God.

What wisdom do the proverbs give us about those with which we surround ourselves?

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. - Proverbs 17:17

This is also relevant for these times because it puts into perspective who your true friends are. It’s easy for people to portray friendship in times of plenty, but the Lord is telling us that genuine friends are the ones that reveal themselves during the tough times.

Another proverb gives us a reason for why having such people in our lives is important.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17

Simply by interacting with those around us, we are able to make each other better and more capable. Other verses in the Bible elaborate on how that is done through encouragement, holding each other accountable, and praying for each other, but this proverb is a good declaration of just what we all mean to each other.

It’s not uncommon for many of us, especially during hard times, to be at a loss for what we should do going forward. We all should understand that prayer is key, but aside from that, how do we move forward with so much chaos and uncertainty around us?

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. -

         Proverbs 16:9

God knows that we have desires and hopes. He knows that we can’t help but imagine an ideal path that we hope our lives will take. He doesn’t expect us to give up on that and live our lives waiting for signs from Him. However, we should know that whatever goal we imagine, God is the one that will provide the path to it.

What happens when we reach our goals? What should we do when we successfully traverse the path God laid out and reach the blessings he had in store for us?

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled with overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine. - Proverbs 3:9-10

When God is good to us, we must remember and acknowledge it by giving back. That is the way that we honor God for his goodness, and it is the way to keep ourselves in a position where we will continue to be blessed.

Proverbs is essentially a book of written wisdom. Oddly enough, it even speaks on itself and the importance of understanding wisdom.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance - for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise - Proverbs 1:5-6

And what good is wisdom?

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. - Proverbs 19-8

The entire Bible is full of wisdom, and God wants us to partake in it. So much so that he made sure that at least some of it was delivered in a way that can be readily applied even in this fast paced world. We shouldn’t rob ourselves by overlooking these simple yet powerful gifts that God has provided.

Chris Lawyer

Image courtesy of sevenmilewaltham.com