August 30, 2019
Summary of Proverbs
Wouldn't it be nice if we could just take a pill as a child and immediately become wise? Then we would not have to endure decades of life in order to become a little bit wise? Well, there is no such pill, but there is a way to become wise throughout our life. Follow on and find the way to obtain wisdom.
The book of Proverbs is included in the books of Hebrew poetry of the Bible-Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
A proverb is a truth that is couched in a form that is easy to remember, a philosophy based on experience, and a rule for conduct. (McGee)
A proverb is a short, wise, easy=to=learn saying that calls a person to action. (Life Application Study Bible)
King Solomon of Israel, before it divided with Judah, spoke some 3000 proverbs of which 800 were written down. You will recall that God made Solomon the wisest man, so he shared that wisdom with others. Chapter 30 is written by Agur, a student of the wise man, and 31 is written by King Lemuel, whom ancient tradition identified as King Solomon. At any rate, the last chapter is written as a wise mother imparts instructions for her son in choosing the right wife.
This book is a gold mine of biblical theology through practical righteousness, addressing man's ethical choices, how he thinks, lives, and manages daily life in light of divine truth. It also refers to promises for the wise, who fear God, such as living longer, prospering, experiencing joy, and the goodness of God. The two major themes interwoven and overlapping throughout Proverbs are wisdom and folly. Wisdom includes knowledge, understanding, instruction, discretion, and obedience, built on the fear of the Lord and the Word of God. Folly is everything opposite to wisdom.
(The MacArthur Bible Commentary)
MacArthur gives us different topics addressed-man's relationship to God, himself, and others.
Perhaps the motto, or the most important or key verse is found in 1:7-8, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.
Matthew Henry suggests verses 7 and 8 give us two general rules to be observed:
- Fear God as our supreme, the head of knowledge, who is to be feared, reverenced, served, and worshipped.
- Honor your parents, (which love, direct, and provide for you) by doing so promises a long life.
God's Word should be of great value to the life of Christians, It is meant to be the foundation of our faith. Jesus the way, the truth, and the life. Believing in Him is the only way to God and heaven.
The description of wisdom in Proverbs 8:22-31 leads to the conviction that Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24-30). To yield our lives to Jesus Christ is the ultimate act of wisdom; to be in Him is to be in the wisdom of God. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Next time we will get into some gold nugget scriptures.
Have a safe and relaxing weekend, my friends.
*Praying for the folks in Florida this weekend. I have a sister and two nieces with families living there.
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