The need for wisdom

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behaviour, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance – for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” (Proverbs 1:1-6 NIV)

It is thought from their content that the three works by Solomon included in the “writings” in the Jewish scriptures – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs – were written during three different periods of Solomon’s life. The Song of Songs is believed to have been written when he was young, as it talks about young love and the optimism of life. It is thought that Proverbs was written a bit later when Solomon’s son was growing up. Ecclesiastes reads like something written later in life.

Solomon said that he wrote the proverbs for his son. After the introductory verses he wrote, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8). These were to help his son as he grew into adulthood to be able to make right decisions.

The purpose of Solomon’s proverbs was to help his son, and any other readers, to become wise – these were written as instruction, as sayings that needed to be contemplated. The collection of proverbs that Solomon left us show how we need to live lives that are right, just and fair as followers of God. These contain the knowledge needed to learn how to live.

Although these proverbs can help someone gain wisdom, it is those who are wise who will be willing to listen to discover the instruction that is found within these sayings.

Solomon frequently personified wisdom as he taught his son how he needed to live. For instance, in this opening chapter, he recorded this:

“Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech…” (Proverbs 1:20-21).

Although we realise that wisdom doesn’t really have a voice, the point that Solomon was getting across was the need to listen when we hear something that is wise and not disregard wisdom, whether found in people or in wise sayings. “Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm’’, wisdom says (Proverbs 1:33).

Wisdom is connected with two other thoughts: knowledge and living for God. We find this as a type of purpose statement for this collection of proverbs.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

This is as true for us today as it was for those living three thousand years ago when Solomon was king over Israel. It is knowing, loving and serving God that is the beginning of knowledge, which can bring needed wisdom.

Knowledge isn’t wisdom. Knowledge is simply the accumulation of facts while wisdom is knowing how to apply those facts to various situations. Knowing something doesn’t mean the person is necessarily wise. Applying what we know to circumstances in life shows that we have wisdom.

Are we wise? Do people regard us as wise? Do we want to be wise? Then spend time reading and thinking about the proverbs recorded by Solomon. These will help us gain wisdom for living as well as instruction. A good practice, which I have tried to follow, is to read a chapter in Proverbs each day. Each time we read through the Proverbs, we will discover some that will be more relevant than others and we will continue to learn and gain insight as we live our lives for God.

Image created by Apple’s ImagePlayground by Jon Galloway.

Readings for next week: Proverbs 1-7