Proverbs 1:1-6, Unto Godliness

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January 6, Proverbs 1:1-6

1 Corinthians 2 “…and with all thy getting, get understanding.”

Unto Godliness

Here is a summary statement of the purpose of Proverbs. The opening verses contain words of wisdom unmatched in any other literature. The word wisdom gathers up the whole teaching of Proverbs. The facets of wisdom “all shade into one another, and any one of them can be used to represent the whole” (Kidner). Wisdom is instruction, equity, understanding, and judgment. It gives subtilty to the simple. Meaning, knowledge, and discretion are perceived, where to hear is to obey. Wise practice is true wisdom! “The most intensely practical thing in life is godliness.” The one who does not practice godliness is the real fool. Here is the perfection of sanctified sense (Ps. 19:10-11).

  1. Something to Appreciate: A wise man will hear with open ears and attentive mind. Words of instruction or correction are not popular today, but how needed! Perceive (bin) and understand are from the same root as between! One who sees between things or reads between the lines is wise (Phil. 1:10). Moral qualities blend with mental. Proverbs leads to conduct. Those who act with justice (or righteousness), judgment and equity (v.3) are wise. Wise ones are righteous. The understanding ones are godly! Get your “heart” in accord with your “head”! The wicked who use their intellect for evil ends are described as wily but not wise. This Book of Proverbs is the opposite of how man’s wisdom evaluates things!
  2. Something to Appropriate: Will increase learning (taking), and those who do, shall attain wisdom by taking wise counsels, and nautical term for steering. Note the contrast in vs.4-5 between inexperienced youth and wise and mature adults. A simple person is not mentally slow, but who is open to either good or bad. Folly results from lack of experience as much as arrogance or pride. Let the simple expect to meet subtilty (Gen. 3:1) that tempts to the wrong way, but also possess subtilty in response to tempters (Matt. 10:16). Obeying wise counsels augments learning, and helps simple ones to steer the right course on the rough seas of life. These proverbs are for all, regardless of age or experience.
  3. Something to Appreciate: Understand a proverb, and the interpretation (satire, enigma); the words of the wise and their dark sayings (riddles). They represent the riddle of life itself and require more wisdom than we generally have. “The great thoughts of great men are luminous in themselves, but dark to the thoughtless because their eyes are closed” (Thomas). They are often put in such a way as to need special interpretation (Hab. 2:6, 1 Kings 10:1, Dan. 8:23). If the young can understand the words of “wise men,” they will have the key to all the proverbs (Mk. 4:13). John Milton believed, “The end of learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love him, and to imitate him as we may, the nearest, by possessing our souls of true virtue.” This true knowledge of God is never a burden, but one of life’s richest blessings.

Thought: The study of this book gets to the heart of the issues of our time.

Prayer: Help me improve my quality of life for time and for eternity.