A Word to the Wise

Proverbs 1 to 4

Wisdom literature. 

We are into Solomon’s writings. 

Reading the words that are in Solomon’s head and his heart and his soul.  The Words given to him by God because he asked for them.  For the ability to discern and rule with justice.   I’m intrigued, then, to read things I’ve never read before. 

The NIV Notes.  Proverbs is a practical book, dealing with the art of living, it bases wisdom solidly on the fear of the LORD.  Historically, the Jews spoke of the Old Testament as the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings.  The Writings include the Psalms, and wisdom materials such as Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs being optimistic and Job and Ecclesiastes more pessimistic in nature.   (You can say that again!) Proverbs are words that show the young how to behave in order to live prosperous and happy lives.   And Job and Ecclesiastes wrestle with difficult philosophical and theological questions such as the problems of evil and the prosperity of the wicked.  

This book is very direct and earthy.   It is filled with common sense.   And that will be such a welcome grouping of words today!!   Today at this outset, I don’t expect much heart and soul talk.  But I expect plenty of words for our story.   How it all applies to God’s Story. 

Ch 4:21 “Keep [these words] within your heart;

22 for they are life to hose who find them

And health to a man’s whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart\for it is the wellspring of life.

27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left.”

There is no prophesy in this book.

And there are no promises. 

Just wisdom for living and loving and walking.  

Illustrations and idioms about choices and consequences. 

Right and wrong. 

Wise and foolish. 

Paths and companions. 

Treasure and rot. 

  

Wisdom.   So rare.  And so lovely.  Solomon knew he needed and wanted more of it. And he asked for it. So valuable.  More valuable than any riches the world can offer.   Wisdom.  Lessons learned the hard way.  Lessons that are really common sense.  And we all know how hard those lessons are and how much they cost.   I wonder if Solomon received some of the wisdom without the hard lessons.  

Wisdom.

Ch 3:15 “She is more precious than rubies

Nothing can compare with her.

17 Her paths are pleasant.

Her paths are peace.

18 A tree of life to all who embrace her.”

So much encouragement in the paths we should walk and the benefits. And how our actions and choices are either a step toward God or a step back.  About traveling and pilgrimage.   Teaching and learning and discipline and correction.  To the young.  But also those who are already very wise.  That learning should be ongoing. 

That’s a tasty morsel today.  

To keep on reading.

Because there’s still so much more to learn.