Contributor: Tobi Morakinyo
Introduction
Proverbs are truths expressed in a somewhat obscured or coded way—short sayings filled with wisdom. The Book of Proverbs is one of the “Wisdom” Books in the Bible, alongside Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. King Solomon authored Proverbs during the early years of his reign after receiving the gift of wisdom from God and before turning away from Him. The book is like an earthly father’s letter to his sons. Given the spirit of wisdom (God) in Solomon, he was writing the mind of God to His children, as an earthly father speaks to his son. The primary purpose of the book is to teach multifaceted wisdom for living, reaching not only the young and inexperienced but also the learned. May the Lord open our understanding as we study this book afresh this month in Jesus' name.
Chapter 1 –The Benefit of Proverbs, the Enticement of Sinners, &the Warning of Wisdom
The Benefit of Proverbs: Proverbs 1 has three broad themes, starting with the usefulness of Proverbs. For instance, verse 4 states, “To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” This implies that though wisdom can be acquired through experience, young people can, by listening to the wise and heeding their instructions, gain wisdom that would otherwise take time to acquire. This saves time and enables them to achieve desired results. Some life lessons do not necessarily need to be learned through personal experience; we can leverage the lessons from others to lead effective, productive, and kingdom-focused lives. As the Bible says in Romans 15:4: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
The Enticement of Sinners (Proverbs 1:8–19): Righteous (not merely moral) living is uncommon, which makes it easier for believers to be enticed (verse 10). As sons of God, we must resolve not to consent. The embellishment of "gain" is a common tool for enticement, leading to manipulations such as falsification of records, murder (including character assassination), and other forms of wrongdoing to maximize profit. Many fall victim to Ponzi schemes, which promise gains that seem too good to be true, and greed for gain can ultimately lead to loss of life (verse 19). Enticement (temptation) will come; however, it is not sinful to be tempted—yielding to temptation is the sin.
Wisdom Warns (Proverbs 1:20–33): The tone changes here as Wisdom speaks in the first person, extending a loud and open invitation. Despite her efforts, she receives no response. She warns of a time of reckoning when she will be sought but unavailable, saying, “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…” (verses 26–28). However, she promises, “Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil” (verse 33). Wisdom personified is Jesus. It is eternally dangerous to reject Him, as He is always calling and not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The key point is to heed God’s instructions diligently, ensuring He is our ally as we step into the new year.
Chapter 2 – The Pursuit of Wisdom
Having understood the benefits of wisdom and the dangers of rejecting it, this chapter reveals the extent we must go to pursue wisdom. For example, verse 4 encourages us to seek wisdom as silver and search for her as hidden treasure. It further emphasizes that the Lord is the giver of wisdom (verse 6), meaning we must seek Him, the custodian. As 1 Chronicles 28:9c says, “…If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” God hides Himself to be found by intentional and diligent seekers, for He is “a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.”(Heb. 11:6). Wisdom is one of the rewards of diligent seeking and delivers its recipients from evil ways (verse 12), crooked paths (verse 15), and strange women (verse 16).
Chapter 3 – The Blessings (Rewards) of Wisdom
This chapter highlights nuggets for living, such as “bind mercy and truth around your neck” (verse 3) to obtain favor from God and men; “trust in the Lord and lean not on your understanding” (verses 5–6); and “despise not correction from the Lord” (verses 11–12). Each principle carries individual benefits. The chapter shows that wisdom attracts blessings such as longevity (verses 2, 16), favor with God and men (verse 4), internal and external peace (verse 17), love and grace (verse 22), and protection (verse 23). Verse 35 sums up the benefit of living by godly wisdom: “The wise shall inherit glory.”
Chapter 4 – The Father’s Instruction
This chapter begins with a father’s admonishment to obey his commandments, as blessings are tied to obedience. This parallels other conditional blessings in Scripture, such as Deuteronomy 28:1–13 and Isaiah 1:19: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” The chapter also emphasizes guarding one’s heart diligently, as it is the source of life’s issues (verses 20–23). Actions stem from the heart, and the sum of these actions determines life’s outcome. Therefore, we must guard our hearts carefully.
Chapters 5 & 7 - Warning Against Strange Women
Both chapters focus on the danger of adultery and the importance of marital fidelity. The father to his son describes the cunningness of a “strange woman” who through sweet mouth (5:3; 7:1-8) and warns that transactions with her will ultimately lead to destruction. “Let not thine heart decline to her ways; go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” (vs 25-27). For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life (6:26). The Father subsequently encourages young men to be satisfied and faithful to the wife of their youth, avoiding by all means the walking on the path with a strange woman. Similarly, we should beware of strange gods, messages, doctrines, and counsel, as they can deplete our faith and strength in God.
Chapter 6 – Parental Counsel.
It provides more nuggets for various aspects of life, including financial responsibility, work ethics, and relationships. For instance, it encourages diligence and hard work following the example of ants, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the future and avoiding laziness (6:6-11). Another important aspect can be found in vs 16-20, which highlights the seven abominations that the Lord hates - A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (vs 16-19). May we not be involved in what the Almighty hates.
Chapters 8 & 9 –Wisdom Calls for Hearing and Wisdom's Invitation.
Both chapters contrast between wisdom and folly, both personified as a woman. Proverbs 8 – 9:12 portrays a feast prepared by wisdom and her effort in inviting people to her banquet, especially the simple (young and inexperienced). Accepting her invitation yields longevity. On the other hand, folly similarly prepares her banquet and sends out an invitation targeting the simple with a catchphrase “stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is sweet” (vs 17). But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell (vs 18).
Chapter 10 –Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked.
The chapter contrasts the lifestyle and outcomes of the wise and foolish. Overall, wisdom is portrayed as a source of blessing; prosperity and protection while foolishness lead to destruction and adversity (vs 8, 21). It also emphasizes the importance of speaking wisely and truthfully as opposed to gossip and spreading lies (vs 13, 18-21). It also encourages hard work and diligence as conditions for success and abundance (vs 4,22). May the Lord help us to be doers of His word in Jesus' name.
