13 July

Bible In 365 Days                                 

Proverbs 1-3

Proverbs 1

The Book of Proverbs is one of the wisdom books of the Hebrew people. Emotionally and fundamentally, wisdom is the fear of God; intellectually, a knowledge of the manifestations of the divine wisdom; and, volitionally, obedience rendered thereto.

The first verse of this chapter constitutes the title of this Book, and the following six verses contain what we today would speak of as preface. That preface first declares the purpose of the Book in terms so simple as to need no comment (Proverbs 1:3-5). Then follows a statement of method, which is necessary to a right use of the whole Book (Proverbs 1:6-7). The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. The facts of God, and man's relation to Him, must be taken for granted and answered if there is to be any true wisdom. After the preface, the first section of the Book contains general instructions on wisdom which prepare the way for the Proverbs themselves, which come later.

The first instruction is a parental counsel, in which the wisdom of recognizing true friends is set forth in words which urge the habit of loyalty to father and mother; and the folly of forming false friendships is set forth in a series of warnings against them. This wisdom is personified, and her first call is written. It is, first, an appeal to turn from simplicity and scorning and hatred of knowledge, with the promise that she will give knowledge (Proverbs 1:22-23). This is followed by a warning that wisdom neglected at last refuses to answer (Proverbs 1:24-32). The call ends with a repeated promise of blessing to those who attend.

Proverbs 2

From here and through chapter 8 we have a series of parental counsels. These all begin with the address, "My son," and deal with the value of wisdom, and make many practical applications.

The first of these is one of a couplet which deals with wisdom generally, and it has to do with the method of the search for wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-8), and its value (Proverbs 2:9-22).

First, as to the method of the search, there must be willingness and desire to know (Proverbs 2:1-2). To this must be added diligence. The illuminative phrases are "cry," 'lift up thy voice," "seek," "search." All indicate desire, expressing itself in devotion. The values are the discerning and discreet heart, which enables a man to understand his pathway, and consequent ability to refuse the friendship of false men and women, who would lead into darkness and death; and the resulting choice of a path of good men, with all the benefits resulting therefrom.

Proverbs 3

As the former address had to do with the search for wisdom, this, in view of the value of if is an appeal to cultivate wisdom. The appeal consists of a declaration of its essence (Proverbs 3:1-10), a description of its excellence (Proverbs 3:11-20), and a declaration of the safety which it brings (Proverbs 3:21-35).

The essence of wisdom consists in a determined devotion to the things of wisdom. The inspiration of this is next described as life lived in relation to Jehovah. Perfect trust in Him, perpetual dependence on Him, and worshipful devotion expressed in actual giving, these are of the very essence of wisdom and are to be expressed in the devotion already referred to. No wealth is equal to such wisdom, and the very chastenings of God are precious as they are conducive to gaining it. The excellence of wisdom is proven by the pleasantness and peace it brings to man, and by the fact that Jehovah's works are wrought by it. The safety of the soul who keeps wisdom is seen in absence of stumbling and of fear, in the attitude of beneficence to the needy; in absence of envy of the evil; and in abiding blessedness in the secret, the blessing, the grace, and the glory of Jehovah.