Day 145, Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 4:29-34; Proverbs 1–4 Wisdom for Living A stitch in time saves nine. Measure twice, cut once. Happy wife, happy life. These short sayings and many others are sage advice born from experience. They help us remember important life principles to give us success. At the height of Solomon’s reign, he wrote many short verses of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so applying a proverb a day will help keep trouble away (at least that of our own making). Proverbs are poetry, written for the most part in couplets (more…). They are jewels of wisdom that are usually true—they are not promises. Each gem in this jewelry box becomes brilliant in our lives as we take it out and rub it on the cloth of life, putting it into practice. King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs for attaining wisdom and discipline understanding words of insight acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise (Proverbs 1:2-6, NIV). Living in the Fear of the LORD Solomon repeats this theme in one form or another throughout the book of Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7, NIV). Who is the LORD we are to fear? The LORD is the most common name for God in the Bible. He is the great and powerful “I am,” the eternal, self-existent one, the Sovereign creator and sustainer of everything. Although he is above and beyond all in majesty, power, holiness, and comprehension, he is personal and wants a relationship with us, his creation (more...). God is loving, kind, and very patient, but is also just and exercises discipline or punishment for wrongdoing. Living in the fear of the LORD involves living a righteous life in reverence for him and considering his judgment (or discipline) for our errors and misdeeds. It is our starting point for further wisdom. The fear of the LORD leads to a more trouble-free life (Proverbs 19:23). The “fear of the LORD,” and pursuing righteousness and love reaps the rewards of wealth, honor, and life (Proverbs 21:21; 22:4-5). If we revere God, then we will listen and obey, and reap the benefits he wants to give us. The Benefits of Wisdom The benefits of wisdom are, it will save you from following the ways of wicked men it will save you from the adulteress or adulterer it will keep you walking in the ways of good men and women it brings health to our bodies, nourishment to our bones, and adds length to our life (Proverbs 2:12, 16, 20; 3:7-8; 10:27). Spiritual health and physical health are related. There have been recent medical studies done by our American government to confirm this (more…). In contrast to the ways of wisdom are those who are simple (unlearned), foolish, and wicked (Proverbs 1:7). We will discuss this more as we come to it. Solomon sums up the case for wisdom in this statement: “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me [the voice of wisdom] will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:32-33, NIV). It is best to fear the LORD and listen to the ways of wisdom. How should we start? Obey Your Parents We may not always like what our parents have to say to us, but most of the time, they instruct us for our good. Obeying our parents is usually a vital contributor to a life of wisdom. In Proverbs 1-9, the teacher (King Solomon) teaches his sons or students, making the case for learning discernment and gaining understanding. What is Wisdom? “Godly wisdom is cleverness and skill, which results in practical action” (The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, by Harris, Archer, and Waltke, © 1980, p.283) The application of wisdom is often life-giving and life-preserving. Heeding the counsel of our parents usually leads to longer life and prosperity (Proverbs 3:2). Most parents give counsel and guidance, rules and instructions, chores, and other responsibilities to their children. Parents give them, not to exercise their authority over their children. Instead, they do it to protect them and to teach them some of the disciplines they will need to succeed in the world—things like respect, responsibility, hard work, and excellence. These lessons often lead to prosperity. Some parents stop after teaching life disciplines. Spiritual instruction, however, is even more crucial than children knowing how to succeed materially. If they come to know God personally, he will help develop their character and help them make the right choices. Do we want God’s blessing on our children? Then we must raise them to fear the LORD and follow his wisdom for living. And, we should lead by example. Where to Look for Wisdom Wisdom resides with God, but we must exert effort in finding it (Proverbs 2:1-6). We find it by listening (not just hearing), calling out for it, and searching for it as a hidden treasure. The best place to look for God’s counsel is in the Bible. The words of God “are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11, NIV). “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7, NIV). Wisdom and understanding often bring us honor. What organization does not want someone who is wise and understanding working for them? What parent does not want his child to make wise decisions for living? The foundation of wisdom is God. Is searching for knowledge and gaining insight enough? No, we must be pro-active. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life” (NIV). The condition of our hearts will manifest itself in what we say and by what we do. Perversity in our speech and our actions leads to ruin (verses 24-27). Solomon urges us to live a life of integrity. A firm foundation of wisdom and integrity comes from listening to the wise advice of parents or elders and following the LORD. Focus Verse Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Discussion What does it mean to live in the fear of the LORD? How might this be shown? Name some of the benefits of wisdom. Why does Solomon mention listening to our parents as a high priority for developing wisdom?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study: Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author Looking Ahead: Beware of Lures that draw us away from a life of wisdom. Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page re-edited 5-23-2020

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