*Note* This weekend I re-read the devotionals on Proverbs chapter 1. It was a helpful reminder of the what and why of this great book of the bible. Therefore, throughout this week I am going to repost those early devotionals to remind all of us of the central purpose and focus of Proverbs.
Proverb 1.1
“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction …”
A proverb (Hebrew masal) is a vivid, thought-provoking saying that communicates a message of truth in a few words. A proverb is neither an absolute command nor an unlimited promise. Because it is a general statement, a proverb often needs to be understood in relationship to other scriptures on the same or similar subject in order to get the full picture. The purpose of a proverb is to get you to stop and think. In modern terms, the style of a proverb is perfectly designed for Twitter — a short, stimulating observation about how life works.
The opening verse of Proverbs tells us the purpose of the book is “to know wisdom.” The word for wisdom is the Hebrew hokma, which is the most general term for wisdom. It refers to the skill of living well in the midst of the many situations and challenges of life. In the Old Testament, hokma often refers to the practical, operational skill of craftsmen, singers and musicians, sailors, counselors, military leaders, farmers, and others.
Therefore, to be wise (hokma) — is to know and be skillful at the methods and mechanics of your craft. In Proverbs, hokma also refers to the practical application of moral principles to everyday life. The wisdom to which the Lord calls us is both practical and moral, and we are to use it in response to the every stuff of life and work. In other words, wisdom is the ability to “live skillfully.”
This is an enormously important truth for the followers of Christ in the 21st century. Wisdom is a learned skill. The Holy Spirit plays an indispensable and powerful role in a Christian gaining wisdom, but scripture is clear that wisdom is not simply granted or bestowed. It isn’t mystical or magical. Like any skill, wisdom must be learned.
Proverbs guides us in how to seek and learn the skill of wisdom.
According to the book of Proverbs, the key to a wise and skillful life is the recognition that God has created moral and practical principles that govern his universe. I call this “the physics” of God’s creation. It is the architecture of reality.
Wisdom is three-dimensional, which corresponds to the three-part nature of the image of God in man:
- Moral wisdom. Instruction on God’s standards of ethical behavior. How to be wise and skillful in ethics and morals. This focuses on character.
- Functional wisdom. Practical insights for how to go about your daily work. How to be skillful in the mechanics of your job. This focuses on competence.
- Relational wisdom. Instruction on how to interact with other people. How to be wise and skillful in your relationships with others. This focuses on connection.
Proverbs says that wisdom is understanding and following the Creator’s moral, functional, and relational principles. Proverbs also says that failure to understand and follow God’s principles is the way of a fool.
Here is a critically important point: Your contribution to and impact on society is determined by the combination of your character, competence, and connection. Another way to say this is that your impact as an agent of the kingdom of God is determined by your wisdom/skill in all three dimensions: moral, functional, and relational.
The wisdom in Proverbs is practical knowledge that helps us know how to respond to the many different situations we experience in life. In that regard, the entire book of Proverbs is teaching and instruction on how to apply E+R=O (Event + Response = Outcome). Wisdom is the ability to manage your R Factor skillfully. Keep in mind that it is not about intelligence or talent.
The wisdom described in the book of Proverbs is essential for an effective and fruitful Christian life. It works the other direction, also. A deep relationship with Jesus is necessary for access to the wisdom of God. Colossians 2:3 tells us that in Jesus “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.” In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul prays for our wisdom: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)
Welcome, then, to a journey through the book of Proverbs, where we will learn how to live wisely and skillfully.
