Proverbs are a special kind of biblical literature called wisdom literature. One thing we need to understand about the Bible’s wisdom literature is that proverbs do not offer promises of God, no matter how much they sound like it, nor how much we want to claim some of them as promises and hold God to them. They teach probabilities, generalities. For example, verses 3:7-8 are not intended to be a promise of physical health if we fear the Lord and shun evil. The next two verses are not a guarantee of overflowing wealth if we give our tithe, and we cannot correctly claim these as promises from God. They are principles, teaching us that God rewards those who seek wisdom from Him. He knows us well and knows how to reward us in ways that feel rewarding to us when we heed Him. We can ask Him to make a principle true in our lives, but we can’t stake our faith on a principle like we can on a promise.
Notice the intended audience of the proverbs – the simple, the young, the wise, and the discerning. A common characteristic of fallen man is that we believe we are wiser than we actually are. Our culture has communicated to our young that their elders have nothing worthwhile to teach them. Notice that Solomon, the wisest man of his day who received his wisdom from God, understood that only fools despise wisdom and instruction. Even the wise can add to their learning, and even the discerning need guidance. A person’s acceptance of his ongoing need for instruction, learning and guidance is a key determining factor in whether he is a simpleton and fool, or a sage.
Do you want to be wise? The place to begin is the fear of the Lord. The analogy of wisdom calling out to the simple from the city gate conveys that wisdom is not hidden. Our failure to gain wisdom is because we refuse to seek it where we can find it, and then heed it by living according to it, either out of waywardness or complacency. We only want to heed it when disaster strikes, and then it is too late. The Bible teaches a foundational principle of wisdom is that we will sow what we reap. Are you sowing what you want to reap? If not, seek God’s help to do what He shows you to do!
The proverbs are pretty straightforward, so I don’t think I will need to offer much guidance in understanding or application for the reader. My intended approach to the posts while we are in this book is to offer some guidance where poetic imagery or cultural references make meanings obscure; otherwise, my comments will be minimal.