A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 8 Wisdom calls out to all of mankind, yelling and screaming so that all may come to an understanding. Her location is at the highest points, so that all may hear what she is saying. The first who need to hear are those who are naïve and foolish. Wisdom speaks to the truth of the day, calling for all to surrender to the instruction given. She lays before her listeners the evidence of knowledge and discernment. She calls for commitment to love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hate. Her demands are for unity in fear of the Lord and counsel that comes from those who believe in God. There is a recognition of the existence of God, the order of God, and the will of God. If we simply follow the instructions, then we find ourselves walking on the paths of righteousness where we find our security, peace, and justice.
A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 9 This Proverbs contains a comparison between wisdom and foolishness. Wisdom is described as a house built with sturdy pillars, a house that is filled with plenty of food and servants. Again, Wisdom is personified and sends out invitations to the those who are practicing foolishness. Although this invitation is given to everyone, the first target is those of the naïve. Repentance, the changing of course, is demanded, or as one translation puts it, “abandon your foolish ways.” The personality traits of the foolish are described as brash, naïve, simple, and deadly. There is a warning of dealing with the personalities of mockers and those who are wicked. Reproving a mocker leads to insults and hate, but reproving a wise person leads to love and learning. The personality traits of the wise are accommodating and listening. Those who practice such traits will enjoy many years of life. Finally, folly is presented. She is brash, naïve, and simple. Her knowledge and understanding are non-existent. She too stands and calls. Using her persuasion, she tempts the simple as the walk by. She claims that ease and flattery are the ways of the successful and leads to luxuries. However, those who follow her are unaware that her paths lead to the dead and their own grave.
A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 10 Solomon continues his education of his sons with a description of what is necessary for a son to bring rejoicing to his father, wisdom, and a warning that foolishness brings grief. It appears that Solomon wants his children to be hard workers, to prepare for the gathering of the harvest, and to live a life of integrity. Solomon is calling his children to live by principle, to speak with integrity and honesty, to be authentic in all aspects of life. The character of the righteous is foundational, while the character of the fool is destruction. Solomon continues to advise that hope leads to gladness, the plans of God are a stronghold, and fear of God prolongs life. However, Solomon also presents the opposing view, that despair leads to sadness, the plans of mankind are weak, and that arrogance leads to a quick death. These words of Solomon are still true today. If followed and obeyed, life becomes easier, more tolerable, and worth living. It promotes strong relationships, work ethics, and the knowledge necessary to overcome any obstacle.
A Proverb a Day
A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 8
Wisdom calls out to all of mankind, yelling and screaming so that all may come to an understanding. Her location is at the highest points, so that all may hear what she is saying. The first who need to hear are those who are naïve and foolish. Wisdom speaks to the truth of the day, calling for all to surrender to the instruction given. She lays before her listeners the evidence of knowledge and discernment. She calls for commitment to love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hate. Her demands are for unity in fear of the Lord and counsel that comes from those who believe in God. There is a recognition of the existence of God, the order of God, and the will of God. If we simply follow the instructions, then we find ourselves walking on the paths of righteousness where we find our security, peace, and justice.
A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 9
This Proverbs contains a comparison between wisdom and foolishness. Wisdom is described as a house built with sturdy pillars, a house that is filled with plenty of food and servants. Again, Wisdom is personified and sends out invitations to the those who are practicing foolishness. Although this invitation is given to everyone, the first target is those of the naïve. Repentance, the changing of course, is demanded, or as one translation puts it, “abandon your foolish ways.”
The personality traits of the foolish are described as brash, naïve, simple, and deadly. There is a warning of dealing with the personalities of mockers and those who are wicked. Reproving a mocker leads to insults and hate, but reproving a wise person leads to love and learning. The personality traits of the wise are accommodating and listening. Those who practice such traits will enjoy many years of life.
Finally, folly is presented. She is brash, naïve, and simple. Her knowledge and understanding are non-existent. She too stands and calls. Using her persuasion, she tempts the simple as the walk by. She claims that ease and flattery are the ways of the successful and leads to luxuries. However, those who follow her are unaware that her paths lead to the dead and their own grave.
A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 10
Solomon continues his education of his sons with a description of what is necessary for a son to bring rejoicing to his father, wisdom, and a warning that foolishness brings grief. It appears that Solomon wants his children to be hard workers, to prepare for the gathering of the harvest, and to live a life of integrity. Solomon is calling his children to live by principle, to speak with integrity and honesty, to be authentic in all aspects of life. The character of the righteous is foundational, while the character of the fool is destruction. Solomon continues to advise that hope leads to gladness, the plans of God are a stronghold, and fear of God prolongs life. However, Solomon also presents the opposing view, that despair leads to sadness, the plans of mankind are weak, and that arrogance leads to a quick death. These words of Solomon are still true today. If followed and obeyed, life becomes easier, more tolerable, and worth living. It promotes strong relationships, work ethics, and the knowledge necessary to overcome any obstacle.