As I read the book of Proverbs, I decided to share the lessons I got from it with you, my esteemed readers. This is however not going to be a historical study of the Book of Proverbs or that of syntax and lexical semantics. I just wish to share some personal lessons, in form of nuggets, I learn reading these lovely passages of the holy scriptures, with you.
The book of Proverbs is the book of wisdom. In fact, if you want to become wise in the affairs of life, eat the entire book of Proverbs and watch your life transform… literally; for it contains treasures unspeakable.
Solomon had asked God for wisdom (1 Kings 3) and God granted him that request. And we can attest to Solomon’s wisdom as we read the book of Proverbs and the other books that chronicled his reign.
Now, let’s begin our journey from Proverbs 1:1-6 (MSG).
“These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king— Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still, a thing or two for the experienced to learn— Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”
Although these verses served as an introduction to the book of Proverbs – describing who wrote it, for what purpose it was written and for who – they still hold great treasures.
In those verses, we see the 15 fold purpose of the book of proverbs as well as the tenfold purpose of wisdom. We hope to enjoy all of them as we continue in this series; there’s something for everyone really.
My eyes however got fixed on verses 5 & 6. A wise man will draw wisdom as he listens to things that a fool often neglects, and as a man of understanding endeavours to hear and understand, he obtains guidance (or possesses governments in all spheres).
Several times we assume to have known, to be wise, thereby making ourselves fools. True wisdom is our ability to realise that we don’t know enough, and so seek to hear more, learn more and understand more.
And in verse 6, Solomon tells us that as we give ourselves to wisdom, we’ll be able to understand proverbs and her interpretations; the rhymes and reasons of wise men/women – their riddles, enigmas, and parables.
So, if you desire wisdom and wish to understand what’s right and fair; if you want to learn the ropes and have a grasp of reality; if you need a manual for living, join me as we learn together from the wise man himself – Solomon.
Hmmm… does that make you think?
Share with me the things that caught your attention from Proverbs 1:1-6 in the comment section below.
Sweet dreams and God bless you!
