Treasures from an Old Book

The first four verses of the book of Proverbs tell us why Solomon

gathered together these proverbs: attaining wisdom, learning discipline,

obtaining insight, and acquiring a disciplined and prudent life.

Attaining wisdom. According to H. A. Ironside (1908), the word

translated wisdom means skillfulness or the ability to use knowledge right

(p. 13). This wisdom provides us with guidance in developing the

proper notions concerning life. By reading and meditating on these

proverbs, we are filling our minds with clear and distinct principles for

righteous living that will result in knowing how to speak and act wisely,

and it will aid in giving instruction to others. “Blessed is the man who

finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she [wisdom] is

more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is

more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her”

(Proverbs 3:13–15). These proverbs are not just fanciful sayings of

yesteryear; they are for attaining wisdom today—ancient wisdom for

a modern world.

Learning discipline. Though not of much comfort to Job, Eliphaz

spoke words that in another context are pregnant with truth: “Happy

is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the

chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17 KJV). Thank God for correction!

However, it’s much better if we can learn discipline through the study of

the Word of God. Learning through instruction prevents the necessity

of the rod. How many times have you heard the words, “Do you always

have to learn the hard way?” The book of Proverbs provides guidance in

disciplining one’s self—avoiding having to learn the hard way.

Obtaining insight. Insight develops as a result of instruction, and

the book of Proverbs provides that instruction. To survive spiritually,

we must possess the insight necessary to discern between truth and

falsehood. The apostle John cautioned his readers, “Believe not every

spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false

prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1 KJV). And the apostle

Paul wrote: “I want you to understand what really matters, so that

you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return”

(Philippians 1:10 NLT).

It would be a terrible thing to arrive at heaven’s gate only to be

turned away because we failed to utilize the wisdom at our fingertips.

Though many have attempted to minimize the possibility of such an

event happening, Jesus warned that not every person who calls Him

“Lord” will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do

the will of our heavenly Father:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we

not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have

cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful

works? And then will I profess unto them, I never

knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity!

(Matthew 7:21–23 KJV)

Acquiring a disciplined and prudent life. The word translated

prudent is rarely used in the scriptures and means to be circumspect

and intelligent (Strong 1990, Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary, #7919, p.

116). A prudent life will result in doing what is right and just and

fair. Examining the words translated right and just and fair provides a

picture of behaviors that naturally flow from the exercise of prudence.

The word right refers to right conduct, just has to do with decisionmaking,

and fair refers to uprightness of moral character. Right

conduct, just decisions, and upright moral character are essential

to the practice of our faith. It’s one thing to declare our faith; it’s

quite another to practice it. Profession without practice is nothing

more than “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Corinthians

13:1 KJV).

Jesus epitomized a disciplined and prudent life. Power and prestige

had no influence upon him. Even the Jewish leaders recognized this

strength of character about Him:

They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you

are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others,

because you pay no attention to who they are; but you

teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.”

(Mark 12:14)

Also, a Christian must be intelligent in decision-making and passing

judgment. Many incorrectly believe it is a sin to judge others. Jesus

condemned judging unrighteously and self-righteously, but He did not

condemn making a prudent judgment. While teaching in the temple

courts, he plainly stated, “Do not judge according to appearance, but

judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24 NASB). A study of the book

of Proverbs provides insight necessary to make prudent judgments.