Proverbs
This blog post is Part 4 of a series entitled, "A Summer of Wisdom" by Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith of Donelson First in Nashville, TN.
Message Date: August 21, 2022
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In the late 1800s, New York apartment buildings were being built at a rapid pace. Everyone it seemed wanted to move to the Big Apple. Command for apartment buildings was at an all-time high. To increase production, architects would often design building after building with the same floor plan. As a result, bedrooms were often stacked directly on top of and beneath the bedrooms belonging to other tenants. The same floor plan meant that where one bedroom was on floor number one is where the same bedroom would be on floor number two and floor number three and on and on and on.
These rooms were extremely small, sometimes only having enough room for a bed, small kitchen & bathroom. It became common knowledge for residents to know when the residents above them were preparing to go to bed. A resident on a lower floor would hear the sound of a shoe dropping as their neighbor would remove their shoes in preparation to go to bed. The sound of one shoe dropping would generate the expectation that the other shoe dropping would soon follow.
The one-liner: “Waiting for the other shoe to drop” soon became an expression for any feeling of anticipation.
As a society, we love such short one-liners as “waiting for the shoe to drop.” Kick the bucket. Cut to the chase. Paint the town red. Cat got your tongue…and so many more one-liners have been made popular throughout the years.
The book of Proverbs is filled with over 900 and it’s also the greatest “how-to” book ever written!
Humans love a quick saying or cliche, don’t we?
- Don’t judge a book… by its cover.
- Practice what… you preach.
- Honesty is... the best policy.
- Keep your friends close and… your enemies closer.
- Early to bed and early to rise helps make a man… healthy, wealthy, and wise.
- It’s better to be safe… than sorry.
- The early bird… gets the worm!
- It’s Sunday, so very soon Jeffrey will be at… Cinco de Mayo for lunch!
As a society, we love catchy sayings! Advertising companies know this!
- "I'm Lovin' It" - McDonald's
- "Give Me a Break" - Kit Kat
- "I Wish I Was an Oscar Mayer Weiner” - Oscar Mayer
- "Five Dollar Foot Long" - Subway
- "Like a Good Neighbor" - State Farm
- "They're Magically Delicious" - Lucky Charms
- "I'm a Big Kid Now" - Huggies
THIS is why Proverbs is the perfect book for humanity!
It’s packed with one-liners!
Want a few suggestions on how to deal with relationships, it’s in Proverbs. Need proper guidance on dealing with conflict resolution, that’s in Proverbs! At a loss for the approach you should take when dealing with a prideful person, yep you guessed it…that’s in Proverbs too!
Vanity, vengeance, political justice, war, poverty, discipline, morality, the benefit of a good night’s sleep, AND MEN…want to make sure you never tick off your wife…it’s all packed into this 31-chapter book!
And, I would even say, this book of Proverbs is the utmost writing of all the Wisdom Literature books.
Wisdom Literature = writings that give instructions for living well while discussing the challenges + difficulties of life.
You know, a really important part of my role as a pastor is to encourage you in the value that is held within the pages of God’s word. This is a critically important responsibility of mine. One of which I do not take lightly… - - to remind you that there is power, there is authority, there is encouragement, there is accountability, and of course, there is truth in the words of God’s Word.
I need this reminder myself. I need these truths.
I can tell you I truly needed to study this week that I’ve been through. This has been a week of emotions for me. I too need time in the Word today.
The theme of wisdom is scattered widely throughout the Bible. It is spoken of in a variety of ways as it relates to grasping the meaning of life and understanding how to pursue this meaning in a godly manner.
One commonality we see in the Bible when reading the word “wisdom,” is the Hebrew word:
Wisdom (Hebrew) = khokmah (choke-ma) khokmah = skill
This Hebrew word, wisdom, really speaks of a “skill.” So when we read about wisdom throughout the Bible, specifically here in Proverbs, the writers are challenging us to develop the right “skill set” when making decisions and doing what is right.
And like any other skill we develop, the same is true when it comes to living a God-honoring life. This is a skill to be developed; a spiritual muscle to be exercised.
Though there are varying approaches in writing styles that we see throughout the 5 books of Wisdom literature, and really throughout the entirety of the Bible, one consistent thought we see over and again in the Hebrew is the use of this Hebrew word Khokmah.
And when we consider the entirety of the Bible as it relates to the use of the word “wisdom,” one can conclude that biblical wisdom can best be defined as:
biblical wisdom = a skill in the art of godly living
Don’t we all need this?! I sure do! I think you probably do as well.
This skill is most highlighted and written about in the book of Proverbs. One only need to read a few verses of this inspiring and invigorating book to grasp the true meaning and intention of the entirety of these 31 chapters in the bible.
Proverbs 1:1-7
In just 7 short verses, we learn the true purpose and theme for this book of Wisdom Literature.
You know what I admire about biblical writers: They waste little to no time getting to the point! They write as if every word matters…which it does when the words are God’s word! For instance…
Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Here at the beginning of this book of wisdom, the writer proclaims unapologetically that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
In the Bible, we should always pay close attention to the beginning and the ending of literary works because this is where writers tend to place the most important thoughts and convey their most critical expectations as to what they desire the reader discerns from their words. We should lend especially close attention to a work that has an introduction that is phrased parallel to the ending of the same work, which is precisely what happens in the book of Proverbs.
This challenge we read at the onset of Proverbs to “fear the Lord” is also found at the conclusion of this masterfully written book:
Proverbs 31:30: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
What is a proverb? A proverb is a short sentence of wisdom.
The book of Proverbs = a book of short sentences detailing the ways one develops the skill of godly living.
How can this book benefit us today as humans? What can we learn by studying this book of short sentences?
Well, there is no way we can study the entirety of this book today. So, I want to zero in on these first 7 verses of the book of Proverbs to help us understand how to apply the entirety of the book.
Here are 7 ways the book of Proverbs can benefit your life!
The Purpose of Proverbs in My Life:
1. To gain wisdom + instruction. – Proverbs 1:2
There are 915 verses in the book of Proverbs. Throughout these verses, we find some of the most applicable and practical suggestions for mastering life the right way.
For instance, I really wanted to start running this week, but I read this Proverb:
The wicked run though no one pursues them. Proverbs 28:1
I didn’t want to give the appearance to anyone that I was wicked so I thought I probably just should not run. And, men, even if you are encouraged to say “amen” with this one, don’t!
Proverbs 21:19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
Men, if you really feel like you just have to say “Amen,” remember this one:
Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives.
In this one opening verse, we read this all-encompassing statement for the entirety of the book:
Rely on the Proverbs and gain wisdom and instruction for life.
Who doesn’t want wisdom and instruction in life?
I dare say, “No one!”
The writer says, the purpose of this book is to gain wisdom and instruction. Wisdom + instruction for what?
Proverbs 1:2
The payoff for gaining wisdom & instruction: Wisdom + instruction = I gain a greater understanding over words of insight.
Remember, wisdom in Hebrew means, what?
Wisdom = skill
So, the author is saying that when you master this skill, the skill of gaining wisdom, you indeed gain an understanding of godly words of insight.
Proverbs 16:16: How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
2. To receive instruction in prudent behavior. – Proverbs 1:3
prudent (Hebrew) = a cleverness or talent for insight
Instructions are a part of our lives, aren’t they?
Your mother gave them to you growing up on just about everything from eating your vegetables, keeping your room clean, washing behind your ears, and putting on clean underwear each day!
Street signs offer instructions on what side of the road on which we should drive. The pharmacist offers instructions on how to properly take your meds. Instructions are a part of our lives!
Proverbs 3:32 For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.
As I have read through the book of Proverbs over the last few weeks, I have seen over and over and over again the instruction in God’s word of how I am expected to live.
3. To give prudence to those who are simple. – Proverbs 1:4
We have already discussed that the word prudent in the Hebrew means:
prudent (Hebrew) = a cleverness or talent for insight
There are many people who are clever – who have worldly knowledge. But this does not mean that such people have a skill for discerning right from wrong by the standards of Godly holiness.
Notice to which sect of people Proverbs points for needing such prudence. It’s to the: simple.
The verse goes on to say: “…knowledge and discretion to the young.” - Proverbs 1:4
These 2 words “simple” and “young” actually have less to do with age and more to do with spiritual maturity. This purpose detailed here in verse 4 of giving prudence to those who are simple is really a statement in reference to those who are either of no faith in God or who are “young” in their walk with Him.
I am not born with Godly wisdom. Such wisdom is a skill for which I must strive to achieve.
The writer of Proverb 1 is stating THIS is the purpose for this book; to give me clever insight into the wisdom of God and how I am to apply it to my life.
I promise you, and I don’t say those words lightly, I promise you that you will benefit from reading a proverb a day. You will develop a skill for discerning in applying godly wisdom in your life.
4. To learn to listen and add to my learning. – Proverbs 1:5
I should never stop pursuing the art of:
- Listening.
- Learning.
Notice the order of these 2 challenges from Proverbs. - The word “learn” does NOT come before the word “listen.”
Do you think this is a coincidence? I think not!
Because I know this for a fact in my life: Learning to be a better listener enables me to be a better learner.
A couple in their 80s were having problems remembering things, so they decided to go to the doctor for a checkup. The doctor tells them that they are physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember. Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. His wife asks, "Where are you going?" "To the kitchen for a drink," he replies. She asks, " Will you get me a piece of cake?" The husband says, "Sure." She gently reminds him, "Don't you think you should write it down, so you don't forget it?" He says, "No, I can certainly remember that!"
Then the woman says, "Well, I'd like some strawberries on top. You'd better write it down because I know you'll forget it." The man replies, "I can remember that! You want some cake with strawberries." She adds, "I'd also like whipped cream on top. Now I'm certain you're gonna forget that, so you'd better write it down ok." Irritated, he says, "I don't need to write it down! I can remember that! Cake with strawberries! And whipped cream!" He then grumbles into the kitchen. After about 30 minutes the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment and says, "Where's the toast I asked for?"
Do you consider yourself to be a good listener?
We all hear a lot of things. But do we listen to what we hear? You may be saying, “Well, isn’t this the same thing Jeffrey?” No, it is not!
The distinction between hearing + listening:
Hearing: the process and/or function of perceiving sound.
Listening: the ability to give thoughtful attention and consideration to what one hears.
Hearing is passive. One can hear many things at once. Consider the noises at a football game: the band, crowd, friends, coaches screaming at players. Fans screaming at coaches. Fans screaming at fans. The whistle of a referee… - One hears all of these things often simultaneously but often gives little attention to any one noise he or she hears.
Listening is an intentional act of one working diligently to comprehend what it is he or she is hearing. Listening is an internal behavior that involves both mind and the body and not just the ears.
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.
Proverbs 25:12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
5. To get guidance.
This specific purpose is for those who are more mature in their walk with the Lord. Remember where we just read that this knowledge and discretion is for the young? Again, the young isn’t necessarily about age. Rather, it has to do with a lack of spiritual maturity.
In Verse 5, we read where these Proverbs are also for those who have such maturity:
Proverb 1:5: “…and let the discerning get guidance.”
The word discerning means:
Discerning (Hebrew) = a skill of spiritual understanding
Guidance (Hebrew) = counsel
So, we are seeing that these Proverbs are for both the “young” and the “discerning;” both the spiritually young and the spiritually mature.
Such a person is to get guidance for what?
6. To understand proverbs & parables. – Proverbs 1:6
You know, this is why Bible study and teaching are so important to us as followers of Jesus Christ. This is why we place such a strong emphasis on Life Groups. The repetition of Bible study, of encouragement from other believers, of in-depth conversations w/one another about the things of life that matter the most - - this is how we, as the writer of Proverbs 1:5 says, receive discernment and guidance!
“The saying and riddles of the wise” refer to scripture that is tricky or difficult to understand. The author here is saying that the more we study the Word, the more we receive discernment and guidance, and the greater understanding we have for Scripture, particularly those areas that can be tricky or difficult to understand and apply to our lives as Christians.
7. To fear the Lord. – Proverbs 1:7
Obtaining wisdom is less about arriving at a destination and more about remaining in a posture of humility.
The skill of developing into a wise person is less about arriving at a destination. Instead, it has everything to do with my posture:
A posture of character, of brokenness and of surrender - - one of true humility.
A wise person is not one who has arrived. Instead, a wise person is one who is learning, growing, cleansing, changing, and dying to self, one day, one challenge, one temptation, and one choice at a time.
The unwillingness to walk through such a process is the true exercise of a fool. And it is an exercise of incessant pride and selfishness.
Provers 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
To reject the fear of the Lord is true foolishness at best. The one who says, “I need not fear the Lord” is destined for a life of disappointment and, ultimately, destruction.
The book of Proverbs is not merely about developing good character as an end in and of itself. Instead, it is about a willingness to take one step at a time towards learning to fear the Lord.
Such a journey leads me, again and again, to gain instruction, give prudence, add to my learning, get guidance, to understand wisdom, as I learn the skill to fear the Lord!
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Jeffrey Dean Smith is a husband, father to Bailey & Brynnan, author, and the Senior Pastor at Donelson First in Nashville, TN. If you are in Music City, meet Jeffrey and enjoy iced tea on the front lawn each Sunday at 10:30a.