November 3, 2026
It is white and windy outside! Starting this day at a cool 35 degrees at 5 a.m. Hoping for a shot of sunshine to clear roadways, please be safe as you head for the polls today!
As we begin our study of the biblical book of Proverbs, we should probably understand a few details to begin with. Proverbs is considered a “wisdom book” in the division of biblical books. The word “wisdom” has been described in many ways throughout human history. Within the book of Proverbs itself, we find this definition: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (9:10) Elsewhere within the text of this book we also read, “A wise man fears the Lord.” For me, a working definition of the word “wisdom” found hundreds of times within the pages of our Bible could be that “wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.”
As King Solomon writes to “my son,” we get to listen in on the wisdom that a loving father shares with his child. To which “son” Solomon is actually writing, we do not know and perhaps do not need to. May I suggest as we read and study our way through this marvelous book, may we read and apply as if Solomon, our spiritual father, is writing to each of us as one of his loved children!
To be wise implies that one is skilled at godly living, may we each increase in stature in said category as we live what we learn. For to gain knowledge without application, as this book will tell us, will cause one to become proud, that which is despised by our Heavenly Father. May we all follow this guideline: Each day before writing I will pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance; and may I encourage you to pray the same for your life each day before your read these writings.
After all, the purpose of the book of Proverbs is to develop a wise, skillful approach to living, which begins with being properly related to the Lord! Written especially to those who are young in age and young in faith, this book expects each of us to “grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” as stated in 1 Peter 3.
The word “proverb” comes from the Hebrew, meaning “to compare.” As such the first line of a verse will compare to the second line of the same verse; each representing a life experience. As the Spirit of the Living GOD has given us this book to read and study, He also expects us to gain godly wisdom for how we then live, may it be so!
May we begin: In verses 1-7 the author introduces himself and the literary form and then gives us the theological emphasis of why living under such instruction will lead to wisdom. Within the first five verses we find that a wise life is a disciplined life. I understand these verses as challenging each of us to live life on purpose. To be intentional with our words and actions, directed by a high moral standard, to be fair and just, to be considerate and compassionate.
“Simple or naive” depending upon your translation, refers to a person who is untaught. It isn’t that such a person cannot learn, it is that they fail to understand and apply that which they learn. Aligned with the “fool” as mentioned elsewhere within the pages of your Bible, such a person would deny the existence of GOD. And why should we each learn wisdom? So that we may wisely lead the next generation of Christians into a life of Christ-like living – the process of discipleship, which would fulfill our Lord’s command to “go and make disciples.”
Verse 5 instructs us, “And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Implied, that this person will be able to find “wise counsel” among the people of their fellowship/church. So now we stop and ask a question, “Am I a such a person?” “Am I a person that is intentionally building wisdom into the life of a spiritual son or daughter?” If not, why not?
To live such a life of wisdom and intentionality would be to live a life of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Simply put, to not be a disciple who is making a disciple is to be disobedient. Friends, there is someone in your life who needs you to build into their life! They need you to simply say, “Come, follow me as I follow Christ.” You don’t need to be a great theologian, a pastor or a teacher of Scripture. You simply need to be a Christ-follower who is willing to invest into the life of another. You know, like your biblical teacher is doing with and for you.
We all duplicate our life in some form, where our students end up as they follow our example is up to us. Will they be well versed in debating politics? Will they have a great grasp on understanding the weather? Or will your disciples have a clear understanding of what it looks and sounds like to follow Jesus? That is why the book of Proverbs is going to be an exciting adventure for each of us!
Pursuing biblical wisdom with you, Neal
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