Proverbs: Wisdom and truth in situational clothes


Wisdom is a quality we all need while we are living an "earthly" life. Think about it, when this life has passed away and we are living in blissful eternity where sin no longer plagues us, making wrong choices will be a thing of the past. So, wisdom makes sense when we are on this side of eternity. My favorite wisdom verse is Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom." The book of Proverbs aims to do exactly that - How do we live well with the limited time we have here on earth?

Unlike most of the Old Testament, there are no major religious themes like the covenant, exodus, sacrifices, law, and the temple. In fact, the wisdom writings of Proverbs is rooted in the day to day - giving concise observations of cause and effect, choices and consequences, people to emulate, and people to avoid. While Job wrestled with the nuances of suffering and we came to the conclusion that there is such a thing as an innocent sufferer, Proverbs on the other hand, depicts observations of life and experiences that are generally true. In other words, one must be cautious not to read Proverbs as doctrine or promises, rather it is a collection of wise sayings which are situationally true and not to be held as an absolute yardstick.

Connecting the dots
The first nine chapters of Proverbs sets the tone for the rest of the book in the context of a relational conversation between a father and his son, this is not a lecture but a heartfelt longing that the son will avoid the foolish life and choose the path of wisdom. To drive home these lessons, you will find plenty of contrasting images used in Proverbs - for example, you have the woman of folly in Proverbs 5 and 7 contrasted with lady wisdom in chapters 8 and 9. Of course, the theme of wisdom and foolishness runs through like a pair of contrasting thread throughout the writings. 

While the book of Proverbs is not a doctrinal book, these contrasting observations do set up a general pattern called "doctrine of the two ways" - where the reader is constantly challenged to choose wisely. "My son, let them not depart from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul, and adornment to your neck. then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble." (Prov 3:21-23). The destination of Proverbs is not to enlighten the mind but to put in guard-rails for the foolish wanderings of the heart. "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Prov 4:23).

Activity idea
Before you embark on Proverbs, define for yourself what constitutes foolishness. List down at least ten traits of a foolish person and then as you go through the book, check the definitions which matches your reading. You see, it does not take any effort to be a fool, in fact, we are foolish and selfish by default! The various contrasts between the wise and foolish persons in Proverbs will drive home this fact.

Christ in Scripture
The New Testament presents Jesus as the incarnate Wisdom of God. He is the Teacher, the One greater than Moses (Matt 11:28-29), He is the preexistent Logos who existed before creation (John 1:1, cf. Prov 8:22-23). Like Lady Wisdom, Jesus invites people to follow him and to eat and drink with him (John 1:36-38; 6:35; cf. Prov 9:2-5).

Paul argues that true wisdom is revealed in the cross, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:24), because the folly of the cross reveals that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor 1:25). He is the fullness of God's glory, by whom in whom all things exist (Col 1:15-17). If we want to live a life of true wisdom, it takes more than just moral courage or a stronger will power, you need to live a life that is hidden in Christ (Col 3:3-4). Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit will guide you to live your earthly life with heavenly wisdom. Praise be to God!

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