The Book of Wisdom
The key word in Proverbs is wisdom, “the ability to live life skilfully.” A godly life in an ungodly world, however, is no simple assignment. Proverbs provides God’s detailed instructions for His people to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life: how to relate to God, parents, children, neighbours and government. Solomon, the principal author, uses a combination of poetry, parables, pithy questions, short stories and wise maxims to give, in strikingly memorable form, the common sense and divine perspective necessary to handle life’s issues.
Because Solomon, the pinnacle of Israel’s wise men, was the principal contributor, the Hebrew title of this book is Mishle Shelomoh, “Proverbs of Solomon” (see Pr 1:1). The Rabbinical writings called Proverbs Sepher Hokhmah, “Book of Wisdom.”
As we grow and learn, we gain knowledge concerning many things - but this isn’t wisdom! Wisdom only comes when our knowledge is tempered by experience - and even then it is often only worldly wisdom.
True, eternal wisdom can only come from God Himself and so we must talk to Him - ask Him for the knowledge and experience we need and then for the Holy Spirit to illuminate it with true understanding:
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Pr 2:6)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (Jas 1:5)
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (Jas 3:17)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Ps 32:8)
Even then, we must not expect to understand all things - there is much that is beyond us and only for the Lord to know:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. (Isa 55:8)
Hence we come to the choice for this month’s Verses of the Month:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Pr 3:5-6)
