What Is A Proverb? A proverb is something that contains a timeless truth. It is very much like the law of gravity in that it is unalterable. The truths contained in the proverbs are just as true today. It is amazing that God’s word can be applied in every age, every culture, and in every tongue that they are read.
A proverb is based on real-life experiences. It is divine truth that has been verified by the experience of the author. Proverbs has been called “A Laboratory Manual on Life.” It is not merely a theological treatise or a book of wise sayings.
A proverb is morally and ethically sound. It provides guidance in making godly choices in difficult situations. It instructs the believer on how to conduct himself/herself in the world. It offers simple, practical advice to help in daily decision making.
A proverb is a general statement of truth that allows for, but does not condone, exceptions to the rule. The statement “Smoking is harmful to your health” is generally true. However, occasionally a smoker may live to be 90 years old. This is very similar to the proverbs. The proverb “the fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27) is also true. However, occasionally the good die young and the wicked live a long life.
A proverb is a statement that will help us to understand life and the world. The great thing about the book of Proverbs is that it contains every element to help us understand, interpret, and apply the others. If we will read them, and rightly divide them, we will have a better outlook on life. We can learn from the experience of Solomon and other wise men. There is no need to go through the “trial and error” in order to gain the wisdom in the book of Proverbs.
Why Study The Proverbs?
The Proverbs are the Christian’s guide to wisdom. Some people do not like to study the proverbs because they seem like 138 random miscellaneous thoughts. In all actuality the proverbs show careful consideration, arrangement and grouping by the writers in an organized manner. They can be arranged as follows: Chapters 1-8 deal with the youth, chapters 10-24 deal with the godly and ungodly, chapters 25-26 deal with relationships, chapters 27-29 deal with everyday activities, chapter 30 is the wisdom of Agur, and chapter 31 is the wisdom of King Lamuel.
James Burton Coffman says that like the Pentateuch and the Psalms, Proverbs is divided into five parts: (1) The proverbs of Solomon (1-9); (2) more proverbs of Solomon (10-24); (3) the proverbs of Solomon copied by Hezekiah (25-29); (4) the words of Agur (30); and (5) a mother's counsel (31). The best study of proverbs may not be a verse by verse, or even chapter by chapter study, but a topical study.
The Proverbs help a Christian understand the importance of God and His Word. The proverbs offer practical advice on our relationship with God. They teach us how to fear God, understand His word, and apply the wisdom of God to life. We can gain insight into who God truly is:
His eyes – 5:21, 15:3
His strength – 3:25-26, 10:29, 21:31
His justice – 1:30-31, 2:7-9, 3:22, 12:14, 13:15, 24:12
His hatred – 3:32, 6:16-19, 11:1-20, 12:22, 15:8, 20:10, 20:23
His mercy – 15:29, 16:2-6, 28:13
His creativity – 14:27, 22:2, 29:13
We also can see what He desires for us to do:
His desire for respect – 1:7, 3:7-8, 9:10, 10:27
His desire for our wisdom – 1:25-26, 2:5-6, 8:22-36
His blessings for wisdom – 1:7-33, 3:13-26, 4:7, 9:10
The Proverbs help a Christian understand the importance of family. The proverbs deal with advice in selecting a spouse. They deal with being a good spouse. They also deal with child rearing, discipline, and family relationships.
The Proverbs help a Christian understand the importance of friendship. The proverbs deal with all kinds of relationships and companionship. They even give warning on how to deal with your enemies. They give advice on what to do, and what not to do, with your friends.
The Proverbs help a Christian understand the importance of business and work. The proverbs teach that a man must work and provide for his family. At the same time they warn us to be careful of our priorities. Therefore, they warn about money, greed, selfishness, and gambling.
The Proverbs help a Christian understand the heart, tongue, and good character. They warn about discretion, judgment, prudence, pride, and anxiety. They also warn about making foolish vows, speaking lies, and evil words. They also warn about covetousness, laziness, drunkenness, and gluttony. They encourage us to have assurance, love, and not to seek revenge.
The Proverbs help a Christian understand true wisdom, how to act wisely, how to live a righteous life, and how to treat others with fairness. They also give hope to those seeking common sense, sound advise, and seek to inspire all men to live a moral and ethically sound life. This may be why it is quoted frequently in the New Testament:
Proverbs 3:11-12 is quoted in Hebrews 12:5-6
Proverbs 3:34 is quoted in James 4:6
Proverbs 4:26 is quoted in Hebrews 12:13
Proverbs 11:31 is quoted in I Peter 4:18
Proverbs 13:7 is quoted in II Corinthians 6:10
Proverbs 22:8 is quoted in II Corinthians 9:7
Proverbs 22:8 is quoted in Galatians 6:7
Proverbs 24:21 is quoted in I Peter 2:17
Proverbs 25:7 is quoted in Luke 14:10
Proverbs 25:21 is quoted in Romans 12:20
Proverbs 26:11 is quoted in II Peter 2:22
Proverbs 27:1 is quoted in James 4:14,16
Proverbs 30:4 is quoted in John 3:13
Even Jesus’ words echo the proverbs. He tells the story of the wise and foolish builders (Proverbs 14:11), those taking the chief seats (Proverbs 25:6-7), and the rich fool (Proverbs 27:1). I guess the answer is why wouldn't we want to study the proverbs? Have a great week!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
#HolySpirit #Christianity #Scripture #onpoint #dailyBiblereading #Proverbs
Kommentare