1 The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel:
2 Their purpose is to teach wisdom and discipline,
to help one understand wise sayings.
3 They provide insightful instruction,
which is righteous, just, and full of integrity.
4 They make the naive mature,
the young knowledgeable and discreet.
5 The wise hear them and grow in wisdom;
those with understanding gain guidance.
6 They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings,
the words of the wise, and their puzzles.
7 Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Reflection
Pastor Rich Hendrickson did a particularly good message this past Sunday explaining that Lent is a time for raw honesty – with God, us, and others. The first 7 verses of the 1st chapter of Proverbs form a good framework. See what you think.
1:1 Proverbs. The proverbs are short, pithy sayings which express timeless truth and wisdom. They stop one’s thoughts, causing the reader to reflect on how one might apply divine principles to life situations. Proverbs contains insights both in poetry and prose; yet, at the same time, include commands to be obeyed. The Proverbs are credited to Solomon who asked God for wisdom and knowledge before coming king of Israel.
1:2 Wisdom. To the Hebrew mind at the time of this writing, wisdom was not knowledge alone, but the skill of living a godly life as God intended for men and women alike. This refers to the discipline of the moral nature, understanding. This word looks at the mental discipline which matures one for spiritual discernment. Understanding is not static, it requires development.
1:3 Justice. 1) Proverbs engages in a process of schooling in the discipline of wisdom (here a different Hebrew word from than in verse 2 which means discreet counsel or the ability to govern oneself by choice; 2) justice, the ability to conform to the will and standard of God; a practical righteousness; 3) judgment, the application of true righteousness in dealing with others in truth; and 4) equity, the living of life in a fair, pleasing way.
1:4 Naïve. The purpose is to impart discernment to the naive and the ignorant. The root of “simple” is a word meaning “an open door,” an apt description of the undiscerning, who do not know what to keep in or out of their minds.
1:5 Counsel. The wise believer will have the ability to guide or govern others with truth.
1:6 Understand a proverb . . . enigma. Proverbs seeks to sharpen the mind by schooling one in “parabolic speech” and “dark sayings” that need reflection and interpretation.
1:7 The fear of the LORD. The overarching theme of this book and particularly the first 9 chapters is introduced – reverence for. This reverential awe and admiring, submissive fear is foundational for all spiritual knowledge and wisdom (cf. 2:4–6; 9:10; 15:33; Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Eccl. 12:13). The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one’s own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God’s.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering & Prayer
What does “Let God be God” mean to you? Do these things sound right to you and can you think of others?
It is ok to cry out to God who calls us into active relationship.
Faith allows us to bring everything to God – be it good, bad, or ugly.
It is ok to recognize that sometimes, when others are suffering, being present in silence can be more helpful than anything we can say.
Prayer: All-knowing God, help us to know that you are with us in every moment, both good and bad. We ask for the courage to be honest with you. Help us to remember that you do understand our fears, doubts, and sorrows no matter how deep they may be. Open our hearts so that we may grow and cherish truth. Amen
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