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TRUTH that Proverbs teaches |
ACTION that Proverbs invites |
1. Achieving wisdom and understanding
"Wisdom before everything; get wisdom. And above all your possessions acquire intelligence" (4:7), exhorts Solomon. Wisdom equals knowing the truth and how to apply it in a given situation; understanding is knowledge, seasoned and modified by wisdom and intelligence. |
4:5-9
Prioritize wisdom. Feed the feelings of understanding. Accept that knowledge without wisdom and understanding are worthless.
9:10
Maintain the fear of the LORD, his discipline, instruction, counsel and humility. Know that thus wisdom and understanding come.
2:1-6
Apply your heart, attend and pay heed to wisdom and understanding. Understand that you must make both things your own, and not merely know about them.
3:13-18,21-26; 8:12-21
Appropriate wisdom and follow after understanding. Know that patience, discernment, prosperity, security and other benefits will follow. |
2. Acquire knowledge
The knowledge in Proverbs is more that information, data or images that come to us through the senses. It is knowledge that begins with the fear of the LORD, and is therefore knowledge of GOD, which always includes Him as the principal factor. Because of its divine origin, understanding is essential. |
2:4-6; 24:13,14
Seek knowledge. Guard it like a valuable possession when you find it.
3:5,6; 22:17-21
Study the Word of GOD and listen to the Holy Spirit. Believe GOD's prophets. Understand that they are the source of divine knowledge.
14:3; 15:23; 20:15
Be prudent in how you communicate what you know. Don't separate yourself from the truth. Communicate your knowledge humbly, and don't allow it to become a motive for pride. |
3. Love instruction and listen to correction
Discipline implies instruction in how to exercise good conduct. Punishment is also required as a means of correction. |
9:7-9; 17:10
Accept discipline and receive correction with joy. Don't forget that the human being tends to avoid both things.
10:8; 13:18
Follow the instructions you receive diligently. Accept the discipline of correction. |
4. The wise as opposed to the foolish
The Book of Proverbs presents two categories of persons: the wise or prudent and the foolish, vain or mocking. The first seeks wisdom and loves instruction; the second rejects discipline and correction. Each one can also be characterized by his relationship with his parents and other authorities; the first brings them joy and happiness, the second covers them with shame, disgrace and sadness. Proverbs exhorts its readers to seek wisdom and despise the fool and his foolishness. |
10:14; 16:24; 17:27,28
Watch what you say. Measure each word. Don't speak unless you have something important to say. Speak only to edify and strengthen those who hear you. Be diligent in your work.
6:6-11
Avoid every form of laziness. Serve joyfully those whom you have been entrusted to serve. Seek to please those who work under you and those for whom you work.
3:9,27,28; 10:4,5; 17:18; 23:1-3,19-21,26-28,29-35
Be wise in your management of money. Practice good stewardship. Avoid being a squanderer or miser. Learn the good use of your time and energies. Don't consume what you don't need. Use, don't abuse that things that GOD gives you. Avoid intoxication, excesses and immoral sexual conduct. |
Appropriate discipline in raising children
It is possibly biblical wisdom that constitutes the most significant challenge to modern philosophies and practices about the upbringing of children. |
22:6
Educate children to respect authority, so they will obey and follow the instructions they receive. Discourage rebellious attitudes, stubbornness and disobedience.
13:24; 19:18
Practice discipline as a consequence and don't excessively correct your children. Remember that the object of punishment is to educate them and teach them to obey. |
