REFLECTIONS ON PROVERBS
Over the past several years, I've made a regular look at the Proverbs a part of my routine in life. These maxims, nuggets of wisdom given by God to the Old Testament King Solomon give all sorts of practical, uplifting guidance for the living of life. People like Billy Graham, world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson, church planter Steve Sjogren, and numerous leaders in business, politics, and the Arts have all made Proverbs an element of their daily lives. So, on a regular basis, I will present outstanding verses from the Proverbs here, along with my reflections on them. Here's the first installment...

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel.

For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young--Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. (Proverbs 1:1-6, New Revised Standard Version)

Proverbs 1:1-6 This constitutes a “mission statement” for the book of Proverbs. It’s ambitious. I think it’s interesting that in verse 5 it says, “Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill.” Nobody has ever fully “arrived.” There’s always more wisdom God can give to us.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Proverbs 1:7 If the first six verses present the book’s mission statement, this verse gives its underlying premise. Awe, respect, reverence, fear for God is the beginning of true wisdom. Conceit, self-will, seeking “wisdom” for my own selfish purposes---all these things squeeze out God. We cannot be wise without a reverence for God, a recognition that God is God and we’re not.

Such is the end of all who are greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. (Proverbs 1:19)

Proverbs 1:19 Covetousness in the end, kills the coveter--either physically or in some other way in this life and most certainly in the life to come. Coveting is a “foundational sin,” one that leads to other sin--stealing, idolatry, adultery, murder. The words of Proverbs 1:10 offer simple advice, My child, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Resist temptation. Flee temptation. Depend on God.