What to Expect from the Book of Proverbs
You might say that the Book of Proverbs has a mission statement right at the beginning. Its purpose is declared in the first chapter and a strong sample is demonstrated. We have four areas of consideration in this first chapter.
The Continual Voice of the Proverbs - Available to Man. Proverbs 1:1-4
The Call to Hear, to Learn, and to Get Wise Counsel. Proverbs 1:5-9
The Competing Voices. Proverbs 1:10-19
The Call of Wisdom to Make the Right Choices. Proverbs 1:20-33
An old quote that is always on the front cover of the Free Grace Broadcaster (published by Chapel Library, Pensacola, Florida) states a purpose for their magazine that well matches the purpose of the Book of Proverbs.
"To humble the pride of man;
To exalt the grace of God in salvation;
To promote real holiness in heart and life."
The Continual Voice of Proverbs - Available to Man. Proverbs 1:1-4
These Scriptures are provided, preserved, and promoted by the Spirit of God. They are a continual source for people to search and to feed their soul. They are of universal and timeless worth. What will the Proverbs do for you? They will cause you …
- To know wisdom and instruction. Ignorance is not bliss. It is destructive (Hosea 4:6).
- To perceive / discern the words that give understanding; to identify true knowledge and wisdom; to recognize that which is false (Proverbs 19:27; II Timothy 2:15).
- To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity. The heart must be receptive - loving, agreeing, and bonding with these truths and practices (Psalm 37:30-31; James 1:21; I John 5:3).
- To gain prudence / subtilty (this Hebrew word describes having craft and skill in using or applying the words of righteousness - Matthew 10:16). The Hebrew word for "simple" describes a person that is naïve, gullible, without a sense of moral direction, inclined to do evil. People of all ages need this instruction, but an emphasis on exposing these words to young people is given, here in Proverbs 1:4 (Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Psalm 34:11; 119:9, 130; Proverbs 4:1-7; 5:7; 7:6-7, 24; 8:32-33; 22:6, 15; Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13-14; Ephesians 6:4; II Timothy 3:15-17).
The Call to Hear, to Learn, and to Get Wise Counsel. Proverbs 1:5-9
Proverbs 1:7 is considered the key verse of the whole book. The theme of "The Fear of the Lord" will be discussed later.
To search the Proverbs, is to search for something that you can put to use. The wisdom this book provides will yield fruit in your life for the rest of your life. There is no end to its ability to influence you for good. The sayings are called "dark" because they are not fully comprehended the first time we see them. They require scrutiny, as something that has hidden secrets. So don't ever stop consulting this great digest of practical knowledge and wisdom. You would be a fool to do that. The proverbs intensify our relationship with the Lord and our walk with the Lord. These words should be foundational in the work of parents who are training their children. The proverbs should provide a healthy bond between family members, friends, and other close relationships (Proverbs 27:5-6,17; Romans 15:14). Our lives will have a certain grace and beauty about them when we live by the principles of God's word (Proverbs 2:1-9; 3:1-4).
The Competing Voices. Proverbs 1:10
How winsome these calls to knowledge and wisdom might be to all people, but there are competitive voices out in the world. These other voices are seeking to gain the attention of everyone and to draw people away from following the Lord.
The call to quickly gain wealth - other people's wealth - Proverbs 1:10-19; 4:14-17; 28:17-20
Robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion are some of the ways for men to get wealthy quickly. Stealing not only causes financial harm, but it often involves, physically harming and killing others. This greedy and malignant lifestyle is dangerous and deadly to those who choose this path. See I Timothy 6:1-10.
The call to sensual pleasure - totally disregarding God's commandments for sexual and marital purity - Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; 9:13-18
This call takes on many forms: prostitution, fornication, adultery, public entertainment, pornography, etc. Lust causes us to gravitate to lower and lower morals (James 1:12-16; II Timothy 3:13). It takes us in a downward spiral, perhaps starting at what seems like innocent fun and flirtation that won't hurt anyone. But we are warned not to flirt, but to flee lust and fornication. See I Corinthians 6:18-20; II Timothy 2:22; I John 2:15-17. Consider a small book by C. S. Lewis, "The Screwtape Letters."
See the enrichment and protection that comes with gaining godly knowledge and wisdom in Proverbs 2:1-9, 10-22.
- To deliver you from the way of the evil man - Proverbs 2:12-15
- To deliver you from the strange woman (immoral, adulterous, forbidden) - Proverbs 2:16-19
- To enable you to walk in the way of good men; to keep in the paths of the righteous - Proverbs 2:20-22 cp 4:18
To be continued…
The Call of Wisdom to Make the Right Choices. Proverbs 1:20-33
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