Proverbs: [ /prah-vurbz/ ] noun --- a short saying that expresses a universal truth for practical, righteous living. From the Hebrew root word meaning “to be like”.
The Book of Proverbs main author is King Solomon. Solomon’s name appears in 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. We may also presume Solomon collected and edited proverbs other than his own. The final two chapters identify Agur (30:1) and King Lemuel (31:1) as their authors, though the identities of these men remain mysterious in history. Solomon’s proverbs were written prior to his death in 931 B.C. During his reign as king, the nation of Israel reached its pinnacle spiritually, politically, culturally, and economically. As indicated by the beginning of chapter 25, the text stayed in the southern kingdom of Judah and Hezekiah’s men compiled more of Solomon’s proverbs to completion prior to the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 631 B.C.
OVERVIEW:
It is difficult to give an overview for the Book of Proverbs. Unlike many other books of Scripture, there is no particular plot or storyline found in its pages; likewise, there are no principal characters in the book. It is wisdom that takes center stage—a grand, divine wisdom that transcends the whole of history, peoples, and cultures. In this book, the mind of God is revealed in matters high and lofty and in matters common and ordinary. No topic is outside the reach of godly wisdom. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, raising children, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are all covered within the pages of this text, unlike other books of the bible.
If we wanted to get a main theme from this book, it is from chapter 1, verse 7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” The desire to be wise, that is right knowledge with right action, begins with a respect, awe, and worship of the Triune God of the Bible [Father, Son, Holy Spirit]. Our fear of the Lord’s wrath and justice is what drives us to Christ, who is the embodiment of God’s wisdom as expressed in His glorious plan of redemption for mankind. In Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3), we find the answer to our search for wisdom, the remedy for our fear of God, and the “righteousness, holiness and redemption” that we so desperately need (1 Corinthians 1:30). The wisdom that is found only in Christ is in contrast to the foolishness of the world which encourages us to be wise in our own eyes. Proverbs tells us that the world’s way is not God’s way (Proverbs 3:7) and the world’s ways lead only to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). When we reach the end of the text, we can see wisdom involves appropriating a measure of humility, first before God and then before others.
SO WHAT?
The “So what?” for this book is straight forward. Read it, then live it. Read it, then act upon its applications. This book shows us that God cares about the monumental moments in our lives, but more importantly, the ordinary, day-to-day moments as well. From rising in the morning to walking through each day, we start by fearing the LORD and then walking according to His word. Most of the proverbs are pithy statements overflowing over with imagery from the real world. This approach allows us to see very clearly how particular proverbs might be applied to any number of daily situations we encounter. Allow Proverbs to grab your attention on all the hidden moments of your life, the “small” circumstances that go unnoticed, and follow the LORD faithfully through them. Do you long to be wise, my friends? Read God’s word, fear Him, and live accordingly.
Next month, we will learn about the Book of Ecclesiastes, reflections about life from “the old Preacher.” May God bless you and keep you until then!
I would love to hear from you, pray for you, and encourage you. Reach out to me via email: Colin@nlcwanamingo.org or by phone: 507-824-3019.
