The Book of Proverbs could be titled, ''Wise Up'' and Live. Beyond simply obeying laws, this book focuses on leading an aggressively dynamic life, giving examples of proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics in succinct, penetrating ways. A proverb can be thought of as ''a short sentence from long experience''; it is easy to remember, yet it condenses much wisdom into a small space.
''All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable'' in four ways: for doctrine - what's right; for reproof - what's not right; for correction - how to get right; and for instruction in righteousness - how to stay right (2 Timothy 3:16). This book touches on all four of these.
A recurring theme in the Book of Proverbs is the pursuit of ''wisdom.'' The traditional definition of wisdom is ''the ability to use knowledge in the right way,'' but in the Bible there is also a ''wisdom of this world'' (1 Corinthians 2:1-8; James 3:13-18). There are a great many brilliant people who have knowledge, yet they lack wisdom.
Divine wisdom is from above: Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God (Proverbs 8:22-31; 1 Corinthians 1:24,30; Colossians 2:3). True wisdom is a matter of the heart and not the mind alone. Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs includes practical sagacity, mental acumen, and functional skill, but it also includes moral and upright living that stems from a right relationship with the Lord:
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. -Proverbs 3:13-15
Do you believe it? What are you doing to prove it? What are your priorities? Pray about joining our study of the Book of Proverbs. Start the New Year off right!
