Proverbs of the Wise

OT: Proverbs
NT: Matthew 13

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Proverbs 1:8-9 — The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young — 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. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Everything you need to know about the meaning and purpose of Solomon's Proverbs can be found in its opening verses. The book exists as a collection of wise sayings and truthful analogies, mostly from the wisest man to ever live, Solomon, King of Israel. Proverbs is a book rich in its truth and color. It would take us years to fully study its many facets. Alas, I have chosen to spend only one devotional entry on it because there is so much more left in the Old Testament to explore and if we tally here, we may lose the heart to finish the canon!

Wisdom and folly are the two overriding themes in Proverbs. What defines a wise man? What reveals the fool? Solomon's conclusion is the same as Job, Moses, and every other theologian that has ever lived: fear the Lord and keep His commandments. Doing so will lead to a good life. Forsaking the Lord will lead to only ruin and despair. Oh, it sure looks good to do what the world wants but in the end, as Solomon would say in Ecclesiastes, it is "meaningless!" So choose the way of wisdom. And find your life all the better for it.

Be God's.