Solomon's words of wisdom are just as relevant today  as when they were penned over two thousand years ago. This insightful study of the book of Proverbs provides practical advice for living God's way.

Dear Connection Friend,

Lately people have been praying for wisdom both personally and for our political leaders.  What is wisdom?  Webster's Dictionary defines it as "accumulated philosophic or scientific learning, i.e., 
knowledge."  The world equates wisdom with the increase in technology and information, but God views wisdom quite differently.  Scripture tells us that wisdom begins with God: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and  instruction"  (Proverbs 1:7).

Solomon was the author of Proverbs.  He was a great man of prayer and his wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the men of the East.  But Solomon was not born wise.  He asked God to give him wisdom and understanding: "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9).  God was pleased with Solomon's request and gladly fulfilled it, saying: "Behold, I have done according to your words; 
see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart,  so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you" (1 Kings 3:12). Solomon's writings are more than good advice; they are God's advice.  Believers have an edge in life because 
God has revealed His truth, honed and polished, for maximum impact through the book of Proverbs.

PROVERBS ARE PORTRAITS OF TRUTH.  A proverb is a short saying that conveys a point.  God used the poetic style of Proverbs because the simple, concise form makes an impact and is easy to retain. These portraits of truth hand like pictures in our minds.  The more time we spend in this book, the  more readily we recognize those portraits: the sluggard, the foolish man, the person who is sexually foolish.  We also come to recognize the wise person, the virtuous woman, and the diligent worker.  In Proverbs, the original thought is repeated and amplified.  Our minds will retain 25% of what we hear twice, so by the 
time we've read a proverb a few times, the message has sunk in.

PROVERBS PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR LIVING. Through the study of Proverbs, we acquire the discipline and skill of right living and good decision-
making. "To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity"   (Proverbs 1:2-3).  The meaning of wisdom goes beyond mere job skills - it extends to godly, skillful living.  By studying the book of Proverbs, we can learn to practically apply 
God's wisdom and insight to virtually every area of our lives.  God is actively concerned with everything we do. He wants to be a part of our homes, work, social life, and leisure time.  Through the Proverbs, God provides the wisdom we need to live skillfully in all areas of 
our lives.

                         

PROVERBS ARE PROVERBIAL FOOD.  There is something for everyone in Proverbs - from the young to the old, and from the simple (or naive) to the wise. They were written "to give prudence to the simple, to 
the young man knowledge and discretion - a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:4-5). It would be great if, as we aged, we automatically grew in wisdom.  From the biblical perspective, however, 
age and wisdom are not always in direct proportion.  A young Christian may exude wisdom, while an older believer might seem stale and immature.  I've noticed that regardless of age, mature, dynamic Christians never plateau but continue to learn and apply God's Word 
in their lives.  This dedication to continued growth is characteristic of great people who have found in the Proverbs a great source of nutrition.

Solomon heard and recorded the most awesome God-given truths to fall upon the ears of man but, ultimately, he didn't take his own advice.  His was gifted intellectually, but he was weak ethically.  In the end, his life revolved around himself rather than God. Like Solomon, we are foolish if we do not live what we learn.  We should handle His wisdom carefully, for through it we have the edge in this world.

This week, don't look to the world's resources for wisdom; instead, pray for wisdom and spend time in  the Proverbs.  It's one of the many books in the Bible that will help you to WISE UP!

In His strong love,

Skip Heitzig
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