Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is filled with small, wise sayings that are a part of what we often call the Wisdom Literature.  Wisdom Literature is considered the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.  All contain wisdom from the wise king Solomon who, according to the Bible record, received his extra dose of wisdom from God Himself.  Solomon didn't always follow his own advice,  but his advice is certainly good for increasing our wise understanding.

For example, Proverbs 23:23 says, "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding."  And the book begins with this kind of direction:
To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion--
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.."

The book is full of wise sayings that if we contemplate them...and follow them, we will increase in our knowledge and wisdom.  Here are a couple of examples:

"A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son is the grief of his mother."

"Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all sins."

Proverbs 23 tells us of the danger of strong drink:
"Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger  long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.
Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;
At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.
Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
'They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?' "

Read the Proverbs.  Spend time in the Proverbs...and you will be wiser!

Thanks for reading and have a great week!