Proverbial Learning

When one engages in a study of the book of Proverbs, it is important to remember that it’s contents are considered to be a part of the Old Testament.  Therefore, the book of Proverbs is not a part of the law under which we currently live.  Instead, we live under the New Testament, the Law of Christ.  With that being understood, that does not mean that a study of the Proverbs is fruitless.  We should remember that “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).  So, let us take a look at a number of Proverbs and glean from them much “learning”.

            The first verse that we will notice is found in the first chapter.  “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:  but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).  How important it is to accept that fact.  Too many people scoff at the LORD, and in turn disobey God so flippantly.  A godly fear is not a badge of weakness, but rather it is an indicator of a spiritually minded person.  The writer of Hebrews wrote, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:  For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28-29).  Solomon also concluded, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).  We would be wise to fear the LORD above anything else.

            The second Scripture that we will examine is found in chapter three.  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).  It is truly sad how many people behave as if their thoughts and decisions are greater than God’s.  It was through the prophet Isaiah that God said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9).  A great example of trusting God instead of trusting self is found in the life of Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5).  At first Naaman believed that his ideas were better than God’s.  However, when he humbled himself and obeyed God, Naaman received his blessing.

            The third verse on our list is found in chapter four.  “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).  It is good to state that the Biblical “heart” is not the organ that pumps blood throughout the physical body.  Instead, the Biblical “heart” is the mind.  It is the seat of reason and understanding.  If we constantly fill our “hearts” with that which is evil, then we are more likely to commit that which is evil.  If we fill our “hearts” with that which is good, then we are more likely to do those things which are good.  Consider what Jesus said about this matter.  “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matt. 15:19).  To help our “hearts” to be as God would have them be, notice the inspired instruction that the apostle Paul gave to the brethren in Philippi.  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

            For this article, the final verses that we will study from Proverbs come from chapter six.  “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.  How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?  when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?   Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man” (Prov. 6:6-11).  The amount of laziness that exists with some today is truly disconcerting.  People want to be paid top salaries for minimal work.  How many can remember when all that a man wanted was to put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.  We need to be rearing our children to be industrious.  Instead of giving them an electronic device to fill their time, how about giving them regular jobs around the house?  Let us recall what is the “wicked and slothful” servant’s future.  “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness:  there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30).

            Did you enjoy our “proverbial learning”?  These are but a small portion of verses that the can be found in the book of Proverbs.  Let me encourage us to study even more of what that book has to say.  It’s practicality and profoundness can aid us all.
~ Corey Barnette