Thanks for joining today’s study. Recently, I realized I have never written a Bible study exclusively about Proverbs, even though I have often quoted from that Old Testament book. So, here we go, starting with the basics.
What is the Book of Proverbs? It is a collection of mostly short, practical sayings and teachings that offer readers wisdom that honors and trusts the Almighty God of Israel. In the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the Psalms precede Proverbs, which serves as a handbook for navigating everyday challenges. Topics include relationships, money, parenting, work, self-control, dealing with difficult people, and much more.
If only we could hook ourselves up to Proverbs and let its wisdom flow into our veins and brains so we could avoid making poor life decisions or acting in ways we later regret. However, then we would have fewer opportunities to cry out to God when things go awry.
When was Proverbs written and by whom? Traditionally, Proverbs is dated to around the 10th century B.C., during the reign of King Solomon, who is its principal writer, although not the only one. Solomon is the son of King David, who is credited with writing many of the Psalms. I am a big fan of both father and son. Read more about Solomon in Vols. 233, 232, and 231.
Famously, Solomon asked God for wisdom rather than power and riches, and in doing so, he received an abundance of all three. In the opening verses of Proverbs, Solomon is not shy about promoting its purpose, an ancient version of an Amazon book promo:
“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:1-7).
Now you know why the phrase “wisdom of Solomon” remains in our lexicon. Ready for some of Proverbs greatest hits? You just read one worth repeating:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
There are numerous biblical references to “fear of the Lord,” including Psalm 111:10, Psalm 33:8, and Psalm 147:11, keeping divine fear within the royal family.
Fear of God recognizes that He is the all-powerful Creator of the Universe, whom we must revere and obey. Once we grasp this, we can better appreciate God’s love for us and our love for Him.
This next Proverb is a mini guidebook for life. Over this study’s seven years, I have frequently written about trusting God, which wise Solomon summarized in 29 words:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). To that teaching, add the following Proverb in which Solomon warned:
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil” (Proverbs 3:7).
Yes, we know that our eyes can be deceiving. Again, the fear of the Lord means recognizing His wisdom and power and understanding why we must obey His commandments.
I especially like the next Proverb because one of my favorite non-biblical sayings is, “How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.” Here is Solomon’s version:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). And a similar one:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). Both Proverbs are worth contemplating if you are on the cusp of making a major decision. But don’t visit a psychic; pray to God for the answer.
Here is a Proverb about pride, which brought about the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden. What exactly is biblical pride? It is thinking you are like God or smarter. But then:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
Switching topics now:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).
Solomon wrote that being an optimist with a positive personality is good for your health. True, since disease means “dis-ease.” But for some people, optimism does not come naturally and takes a concerted effort.
Your humble author is usually a pessimist. For that, I blame my perpetually worrisome dear Jewish mother for giving me her “glass-is-half-empty” attitude, along with her worry gene, which I try to overcome. But when it is cloudy, I can’t just say, “Oh, it’s sunny outside.” However, I can accept the clouds, recognize they are God’s will, trust in Him, and pray for sun. I have been working on this “cheerful heart” self-help psychology for a long time.
More teaching about the nature of God. I like this Proverb since “For nothing will be impossible with God.” He can protect you, but only if it is His will:
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
About parenting, Solomon wrote:
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
We all know that those who are blessed to be raised with good parenting have an edge over those who aren’t. However, often they don’t appreciate that until they are older.
Here is a Proverb we have all experienced, because reacting with a temper always makes a bad situation worse:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
About relationships, wise Solomon taught:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
In life, you always want to partner or play with someone better, smarter, more experienced, and talented than you because this Proverb is true. Humans are like rubber bands; we stretch to reach further, sometimes more than we ever could have imagined. That is why good parents, coaches, teachers, and wise professors are so important to young minds.
The same goes for personal relationships, when a spouse or partner can shape your life for the better and you can theirs. Sharpening each other is a sweet fruit of a healthy relationship.
Finally, a “Proverb” from Myra:
“The Lord sharpens us when we read His Word.” Amen to that!
Let me know if reading this study made you wiser.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible“ reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can help support our six-month exhibit at the Basilica in Orlando, Florida. Read more here. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
This article originally appeared at Townhall.com.
