Saturday
Words to live by, adages that ring true, the wisdom of the ages, maxims, wise sayings, truism, proverbs – wonderful words of truth. I imagine we’ve all heard some great saying over the years.
Solomon has been given the incredible gift of wisdom and so he shares with us in the book of Proverbs wonderful words to live by. Over the next several days we are going to get a chance to experience some of the wisdom of Solomon, which in reality are God’s words of truth for us. God wants us to not only read this advice but actually put it into practice.
These proverbs guide us in the right direction. They deal with a number of different topics, but mostly are about good (righteous living), good relationships, good work ethics, why self-control is so important. Proverbs deals mostly with day to day living, the problems, the situations that you might find yourself in and the advice that is given is priceless.
In the first chapter the reason for these proverbs is explained to us. They are “for attaining wisdom and discipline, for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.” (1:2-4). It also tells us that these words are directed at the young, the unlearned, and if you follow them, it shows wisdom and guidance.
So if you have a question about life, there is most likely an answer somewhere in the pages of Proverbs. Take for example, you might wonder “what is the beginning of knowledge, where does it come from?” The answer is found in Proverbs 1:7. “The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (italics mine) Now this is not fear
that means ‘afraid of’ but rather ‘reverence for, respect for, devotion to.’ That is what is the beginning of knowledge. A recognition that we are dumb (just sayin’) and that we need to learn. So I hope you will enjoy the next several days as we read together these “wonderful words of God”.
Pondering these Words of Wisdom
Pastor Kathy