Searching for Wisdom

Wisdom, Instruction, & Understanding

This morning we are going to begin a series in the book of Proverbs. So what is a “proverb”?

A proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or experience. They are often metaphorical. Proverbs fall into the category of formulaic language and form a folklore genre. Wikipedia

Generally, the book of Proverbs is attributed to Solomon as he wrote or is credited with the majority of this collection of proverbs. “The book tells us that it is the work of several authors. Three of these are named (Solomon, Agur and Lemuel), others are mentioned collectively as ‘Wise Men’, and at least one section of the book (the last) is anonymous.” (Kidner)

Proverbs is part of a larger body of wisdom literature that includes Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, however, the Book of Proverbs is unique.

It is unique in its structure, being mostly a collection of individual statements without much context or organization by topic.

It is unique in its theology, being concerned with practical life wisdom more than ideas about God and His work of salvation.

Proverbs is also unique in its connection with the secular literature of its time. Neighboring kingdoms had their own collections of wisdom literature, and in some places there are significant similarities to these writings.

The book of 1 Kings says in regard to Solomon:

He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five. Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish. And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon. (- 34)

Chapters 1 - 9 provide a basic summary concerning wisdom and contrast wisdom and foolishness. 10- 24 is an assortment of proverbs on different themes written by Solomon. 25 - 29 are proverbs of Solomon compiled by Hezekiah. Ch 30 is said to be an oracle of Agur, no other mention, and the last chapter is from a mother to her son Lemuel, which is said to be Solomon’s pet name.

Read

vs 1 - Solomon the son of David, no doubt about who is speaking.

Vs 2 - Solomon explains the purpose of these sayings, Which is what? For us to know wisdom, instruction, and to perceive (or dicern) words of understanding.

Q- so what is wisdom?

It is helpful to remember the difference between wisdom and knowledge. One may have knowledge without wisdom. Knowledge is the collection of facts; wisdom is the right use of what we know for daily living. Knowledge can tell one how financial systems work; wisdom manages a budget properly.

Did you ever meet or hear of an uneducated simple person who became very accomplished in their life? That is a wise person. It has little to do with book smarts.

Vs 3 - Solomon adds three more related topics that he will bring up many times - Justice, judgement, and Equity. Truth and fair play are important to God.

Vs 4 - What is prudence? Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. It is classically considered to be a virtue, and in particular one of the four Cardinal virtues. Wikipedia

Who are/is the simple? Naive people. The simple one is uneducated and needs instruction. The wisdom of this book will make the young, inexperienced one know what to do and how to do it in life.

One characteristic of the simple is that they are gullible. The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.()

Simple: “The word indicates the person whose mind is dangerously open. He is gullible, he is naïve. He may have opinions, but he lacks deeply thought-through and field-tested convictions.” (Phillips)

One characteristic of the simple is that they are gullible. The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.()

Vs 5 -6 Basically, the study of these proverbs will make the wise wiser, helping them to figure out difficult problems.

Vs 7 - is the key to the whole book.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Q- What does it mean to fear the Lord? It is not a cowering, begging fear. It is the proper reverence that the creature owes to the Creator and that the redeemed owes to the Redeemer. It is the proper respect and honoring of God.

Q- How does a proper fear of the Lord effect our attitude towards His Word?

Note: this is the starting place, Wisdom cannot advance further until this starting point is established.

Vs 8 -9 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

Because both the father and the mother are mentioned, we know that teaching the children wisdom is the responsibility of both parents.

The mention of instruction shows that Solomon understood that children are not to be taught only or even primarily through bodily punishment (such as a spanking). Children are regarded as capable of thought, learning, and obedience beyond blind submission.

They will be graceful ornament on your head: The idea is that the instruction and law given from parent to child will adorn the life of their children, if they will only receive it.

Vs 10 - 19 Instruction to avoid evil people.

Q- Have you ever been enticed by some friend who got to do something you knew you shouldn’t and then got in trouble?

Discuss

Q- Solomon advise to keep away from such circumstances?

They make the scheme sound really doable, even adventurous, but the end is bad. Could cost them their lives.

Vs 19 key verse to memorize especially in today’s world.

Q- what is the worst business scheme you ever bought into?

The call of wisdom

Vs 20 - 23

Wisdom is available to all

scorners, mockers, delight in putting the Godley down.

Fools hate knowledge.

Vs 23 - the promise, Repent (turn) then what will He do?

Pour out His Spirit on you! and make His words known to you.

Do you remember your BC days when the Word meant nothing to you and made no sense?

Vs 24 -33 The warning

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

Q- What is complacency? a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like;self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.

Vs 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

“And as a wicked man’s mind is oft full of anxiety in the midst of all his outward prosperity and glory, so the mind of a good man is filled with peace and joy, even when his outward man is exposed to many troubles.” (Poole)

The wicked do not sleep well while the righteous can look into the mirror and be at peace.