The Proverbs

The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament brings us lots of wisdom, and for sure, we should spend much time being familiar with it.  But probably most of us don't spend the time that we could or should.  So we'll take a look at a bit of wisdom in this blog.

The first nine chapters of the book give some instruction into how to avoid some of life's problems and challenges, how to stay out of trouble.  Note the first few verses of chapter one. 

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 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."  Solomon was given great wisdom from God, so it only makes sense for us to listen carefully to his teaching. 

After the first nine chapters we start a new flow of wisdom given in short quips.  Here are a few examples of proverbs dealing with the subject of conflict:

18:6  "A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating."

20:3  "It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling."

22:10  "Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease."

26:17  "Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears."

Certainly none of us would argue that these are not good rules to live by.  On the other hand, we likely could all use a heavier dose of this teaching.  Here are a few thoughts on contention:

17:1  "Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."

15:17  "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred."

22:24  "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go; lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul."

This is just a small sampling of the teaching of Proverbs.  It would do us all good to read and dwell on the wisdom therein.  We want to be wise people, people whom others seek out for guidance.  This is the place to start.

Thanks for reading....and may God bless you this week and through the holiday season.