May 26-June 2

Proverbs 1-18

When every word is a jewel and every line is wisdom we should tuck away in our heart, it is a challenge to write what lingers this week. Our pastor once recommended that we take a chapter of Proverbs each day (since there are thirty-one chapters) and read one each day of the month, so that these wise words would be inscribed on our hearts. I’ll just take a few of my favorites this day, but, as you probably noticed too, the verses would be different tomorrow if I were to read it again. Isn’t it amazing that these words were written almost a thousand years before Christ was born yet the wisdom contained within is as applicable today as it was then? I Kings 4:32 says King Solomon spoke over 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He was one of the wisest men who ever lived, so it behooves us to pay close attention to his words of how to live in peace with our neighbors and with God. One thing I’ve noticed about wisdom. It almost inevitably stems from some suffering. I don’t believe God inflicts suffering, but a by-product of it for the one who chooses God through their suffering is always wisdom. If I need advice, I go to a godly woman who’s walked out some of the hard pavement of life and has turned to God. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” A good place to start is in the Book of Proverbs.

Anybody need a little advice on controlling anger? Try Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Anyone want reassurance that your foot will know the direction to go? How about Proverbs 3:5-6? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

How about a little humor and gentle reminder that not everyone is a morning person? Take heed with Proverbs 27:14. “If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.”

And there are some reminders found in Proverbs that I heard so often growing up, I didn’t even realize they came from the Bible because my mother often interspersed them with superstitions like throwing salt over her right shoulder for good luck. She had that not-so-common common sense that Solomon seems to disperse. I loved these verses this week because I needed them most desperately!

“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16)
“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (Proverbs 13:10)

Much of Proverbs seems like basic horse sense, as my mother would say. However, wisdom from God is more valuable than rubies (Job 28:18) Proverbs itself defines this uncommon type of wisdom:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Perhaps one of the reasons Solomon was so wise was that he recognized his wisdom was a gift given from God. This type of wisdom only comes from a relationship with our Lord, where His Holy Spirit guides our thoughts and our actions, our minds and our hearts. I’ve already read some beautiful and wise posts this week over at Bev’s site, who hosts Cover to Cover on Mondays, so check out some real wisdom from our sisters walking together in His Word. Hope you have a great week, discovering more pearls of wisdom, godly wisdom, as you journey on your path with Him this week.