The book of Proverbs teaches us a myriad of important lessons we need to heed. In doing so, we will both please God, and will enrich our lives and relationships. Here are a few things I have learned by reading the book of Proverbs. (Note: In order, from chapter 1 on, until I run out of space in this article).
True knowledge comes when we begin to fear God (1:7). It is important to listen to parental wisdom (1:8). Ignore evil people (1:11-19). Exercise discretion to avoid the pitfalls of evil (2:11-17). Sexual immorality leads to destruction (2:18-22).
Obeying righteousness leads to a long and peaceful life (3:1-8). Be receptive to God’s chastening, as it brings understanding (3:11-14). When you can help others, do so right then, don’t put it off (3:27-28). Don’t pick fights (3:30). God punishes wickedness and rewards righteousness (3:32-33). Don’t lie (4:24).
Be satisfied with your wife, as adultery is destructive to homes and souls. (5:1-23). God hates laziness (6:6-11). God hates specific aspects of the wicked: pride, deceit, violence, plotting evil, enjoying wickedness, witnessing falsely and strife (6:16-19). Don’t be allured by physical beauty (6:25-26). Adulterous affairs are destructive to those involved (6:32-35).
A sexually promiscuous young man is “devoid of understanding” (7:6-18). Listen to wisdom! (8:1-36).
If you are wise, you will love correction, will learn from instruction, fear the Lord and increase in knowledge of Him (9:8-10). A foolish woman is characterized by constant agitation, ignorance and deceit (9:13-18). A wise child makes both his father and mother glad (10:1). Being righteous keeps you out of trouble (10:2). God is against the wicked (10:3). Laziness makes you poor (10:4). If you want people to remember you with appreciation, don’t act wickedly (10:7). If you do bad things, you will eventually be caught (10:9). Love brings unity (10:12). It is important to be generous to the poor (10:15). If you talk too much, you often get into trouble (10:19). Foolishness can be dangerous (10:21). Some people just like to do evil (10:23). Being lazy will irritate your employer (10:26). Wickedness can shorten your life (10:27).
In business, God expects us to act fairly (11:1). Pride bring shame (11:2). Integrity in action is important (11:3). Righteousness is more important than money (11:4). A hypocrite often gossips, and destroys the lives of others (11:9). A smart man gets along with his neighbors (11:12). Gossiping is a betrayal of others (11:13). Be ready to take the advice of the wise, because many heads are better than one (11:14). It is not a good idea to vouch for someone you don’t know well (11:15). Being merciful is good for you (11:17). God is displeased with those who act wickedly (11:20). A woman who acts outlandishly, rather than demurely, is like a pig who has a golden nose ring (11:22). Don’t trust in your money, as it will fail you (11:28).
It is stupid to hate constructive criticism (12:1). A husband loves his wife to be righteous (12:4). Wickedness is self-destructive (12:7). A righteous man is kind to animals (12:10). It is wicked to be envious of the possessions of others (12:12). It is hard to convince a foolish man of his foolishness (12:15). Harsh criticism of others is hurtful (12:18). Lies fall apart like a house of cards (12:19). Lazy people don’t become bosses (12:24). Anxiety causes depression (12:25). It is important to choose your friends carefully (12:26). Laziness can cause you to lose even the things that you possess (12:27).
Smart children listen to their parents (13:1). Good people hate lying (13:5). The truly rich are rich in character rather than possessions (13:7). Pride brings division (13:10). The end does not justify the means, especially in how you get your money (13:11). Fearing God’s commandments will bring spiritual rewards (13:13). Its smart to know what you are doing before jumping in to it (13:16). Listening to constructive criticism will make you successful (13:18). If you are around wise people, it will make you wise too (13:20). It is important to discipline your children (13:24).
So, a great deal of wisdom, and we didn’t get half way through the book! (We summarized the first 13 of 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs). You might want to take the time to read the other 18!
In addition to these nuggets, the text of Proverbs is replete with exhortations to listen to the words of wisdom! For example:
“Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift her voice? She takes her stand on the tope of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth…’” (8:1-7a).
Remember, true wisdom comes from above (God), not below (cf. James 3:15). So, to really be wise, you have to carefully study and heed God’s word! (cf. Psalm 119:1-8).
It is much better to be wise than foolish, as there are both physical and spiritual consequences that come because of the sins of those who are ignorant of God’s will.
