The Book of Proverbs – A Look at How Simple yet Complex Proverbs Are (Part 2)

Let’s look at the benefits of wisdom according to the book of Proverbs.

Read 2: 12 – 15:

 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
   from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
   to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
   and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
   and who are devious in their ways.

Whoa. A lot of strong words there. I definitely want to be saved from the “ways of wicked men”; nobody’s going to scam me; I’m not going to get pulled into some stupid prank or dangerous activity. (Teenagers take note.)

Read 3: 1 – 2:

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
   but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
   and bring you peace and prosperity.

Did you catch the blessing that comes with remembering the Lord’s teaching and command? Long life. Peace. Prosperity.

Read 3: 5 – 6:

 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.

We don’t like to submit to anyone, but let’s submit to the Lord. Trust Him, don’t trust yourself.

Read 4: 7:

7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
   Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

This is so simple yet complex at the same time. The beginning of wisdom is that you need to understand that you don’t have it and it’s a good thing to go and get it. As soon as you realize that you need to get wisdom you’re at the beginning of wisdom. Keep it up.

This next verse I claimed as my “life verse” many years ago. Proverbs 4: 13:

13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
   guard it well, for it is your life.  

Everybody should have a “life verse”. For me, I spent my whole career and beyond dedicated to teaching so I did “hold on to instruction.”  It was (and still is) my life. It was extra easy for me to remember where to find this verse because 4:13 is 4/13, my birthday. Isn’t God marvelous?