The Purpose & Theme of the Book of Proverbs

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple, 
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise. 

⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

 

                  True wise men are men who are learn Biblical truths and share them with others. They study and understand proverbs and parables. They are humble and forthright, not sidestepping the issue, but dealing with it head on. The issue is sin vs. godly living. Those whose trust lies with Almighty God will make the time to study scripture as the means of drawing close to Him. Those who are play acting their Christianity shall be the losers in the end.

                  Those who think themselves wise tend to become pompous and arrogant, as if their knowledge is far superior to the rest of mankind. It is far better to be thought of as wise then to think of yourself as wise. The truth is that either way it doesn’t change reality. The one major flaw of thinking yourself wise is that you are comparing yourself to your fellow man. When one compares himself to his Creator a light is shone on how wise or should I say, unwise we all really are. We must put our existence in the proper perspective. Each one of us, both saved and unsaved, is nothing more than a single grain of sand on the beaches of life. Once we understand and learn to except that truth, we will begin to learn humility, which is a vital component in one’s spiritual maturation.

                  Proverbs and parables are referred to as “the sayings and riddles of the wise”. The Hebrew language uses the word for ‘allegories’ rather than riddles. An allegory is a symbolic representation; such as, “The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.” John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress and Herman Melville’s Moby Dick are examples of allegories. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

                                    

P.S. – Matthew 10:30 “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

                  Therefore, if God has the hairs on our head numbered, meaning if course, that he knows how many hairs are on our head, then he must also know how many grains of sand are on life’s beaches. In spite of how insignificant that may make you feel you must remember that we are of incalculable value to our Heavenly Father. Not to mention that He loves us without conditions placed upon that love. Isn’t that outrageously cool? rlk