wisdom

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. – Proverbs 1:7

Humans have something unique that no other creatures possess – the way our minds work. Humans have an ability to reason, to analyze, conceptualize, theorize, discuss and debate. Humans have a built-in desire to learn. This learning and understanding is fostered through schools, universities, and in the home/family. It is in these environments that people learn about themselves and the world around them.

In the paragraph above, we see human’s desire for knowledge.

But knowledge is different from wisdom. Knowledge is having the facts, where wisdom is the ability to apply the facts (knowledge) to our daily life. The word proverb comes from the Hebrew meaning, “to rule or govern”. Proverbs provide advice for directing and ordering our lives.

Solomon has left us with 3 books of wisdom, found in the Bible. Proverbs, Ecclesiastics, and Song of Songs.

In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon’s advice is given in the form of proverbs, hence the name. A proverb is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth (principles of right and wrong behavior).

Solomon has put together a collection of proverbs, giving the reader practical examples of how to live their lives according to godly wisdom. Their intention is to improve people’s relationship between each other and God.

As we look through the Book of Proverbs – Remember: Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Judges 21:25

The book of Proverbs in an interesting book tucked in between the Book of Psalms and Ecclesiastes. It is located in the middle of the Bible, in the Old Testament.

It was written and complied by King Solomon, the son of King David, early in his reign as King. Agur and Lemuel also included some proverbs in the later sections. There are 31 Proverbs. (One could be read each day of the month).

Solomon was King for 40 years, between 836 and 796 BC. Solomon was considered to be the wisest man who ever lived. He received his wisdom from God.

3 Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David… 5 That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And IF you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.” – 1Kings 3:3,5,7-14

This same wisdom is available to everyone who asks The Lord. – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Proverbs was written as a textbook, of sorts. It’s purpose was/is to teach people how to live godly lives through the repetition of wise thoughts. It teaches people about right and wrong, justice and fairness, and how to apply divine wisdom and moral instruction to our daily lives.