Wise Living - Pursuing God's Wisdom (Proverbs Intro & Ch 1)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is a joy and a privilege to open God's precious Word together, particularly as we embark on a profound pilgrimage through the book of Proverbs, as Pastor Sam Merigala so aptly described it. This isn't just about making a living; it's about discerning how to truly make a life, a life rich in God's wisdom. Let us prayerfully consider the deep insights Pastor Sam has laid before us, which will prepare our hearts for this divine journey.

The Sacred Penmen: Who Gave Us Proverbs?

First, Pastor Sam guides us to understand the authorship of this remarkable book. The inspired writings tell us plainly that King Solomon is the principal author, as seen in passages like Proverbs 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. What an incredible gift God bestowed upon Solomon, giving him such great wisdom that people journeyed from the far corners of the earth, returning utterly amazed by his understanding (1 Kings 3:5–15; 4:29–34; Matt. 12:42). While Solomon uttered three thousand proverbs, it was the Holy Spirit who, in His divine sovereignty, carefully selected and preserved those essential for God’s people to grasp and obey in every generation.

Yet, the Spirit of God did not limit His inspiration to Solomon alone. Pastor Sam reminds us that other faithful servants, under divine guidance, also contributed to this sacred collection. We learn of "the men of Hezekiah," a dedicated group of scholars from King Hezekiah’s era around 700 BC, who diligently compiled the precious counsel found in chapters 25 through 29. Furthermore, chapters 30 and 31 introduce us to "Agur the son of Jakeh" and "King Lemuel" – with some biblical scholars suggesting Lemuel might even be another name for Solomon himself. Therefore, while a substantial portion of this inspired sermon comes from King Solomon, it is rightly titled “the proverbs of Solomon” (1:1), acknowledging his primary role.

There is a profound, albeit tragic, lesson in Solomon’s own life, which Pastor Sam points out with such clarity. Though he began his reign as a beacon of wisdom, Solomon heartbreakingly concluded his life entangled in the deepest folly (1 Kings 11; Deut. 17:14–20). In his pursuit of political stability and peace, he unwisely forged alliances through marriage to hundreds of heathen princesses. These foreign wives, sadly, slowly but surely drew his heart away from his covenant loyalty to the Lord. It is a sobering reminder that even the wisest among us can stumble if we neglect the very precepts we know to be true. How tragic indeed that Solomon did not obey the very wisdom he penned!

The Divine Design: How Is This Wisdom Shared?

Pastor Sam then leads us to appreciate the unique literary approach of the book of Proverbs. He likens clever sayings to "burrs that stick in your mind," easily recalled and quoted, a quality especially true of proverbs themselves. Proverbs are not just flowery words; they are "pithy statements that summarize in a few choice words practical truths relating to some aspect of everyday life". The Spanish novelist Cervantes wisely defined a proverb as “a short sentence based on long experience”.

The very word "proverb" may stem from the Latin proverbium, meaning “a set of words put forth,” or pro and verba, indicating "a short statement that takes the place of many words". Think of the power in "Short reckonings make long friendships" compared to a lengthy lecture on forgiveness. The brevity and vividness of proverbs make them incredibly impactful.

But the Hebrew term, mashal, offers even deeper insight. Pastor Sam explains that mashal fundamentally means “a comparison,” encompassing “parable” and even “allegory”. Many of Solomon's proverbs powerfully illustrate truths through comparisons and contrasts, often employing the word "better" (e.g., Prov. 11:22; 15:16–17; 16:19, 32; 17:1; 19:1; 25:25; 26:6–9). This makes divine truth accessible and memorable.

The profound significance of this collection, however, transcends mere human ingenuity. While many cultures have compiled maxims, no collection holds the divine weight of the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Why? Because, as Pastor Sam declares, this book is Scripture, fully "inspired by the Spirit of God" (2 Tim. 3:16–17). It is not merely a compendium of human wisdom, but "divine revelation" that connects our earthly concerns to God and eternity. Its practical application for believers today is undeniable, so much so that it is even quoted in the New Testament.

Pastor Sam beautifully expounds on 2 Timothy 3:16–17, reminding us that "All Scripture is … profitable" in four magnificent ways:

1. Doctrine: It teaches us "what’s right".
2. Reproof: It reveals "what’s not right".
3. Correction: It shows us "how to get right".
4. Instruction in Righteousness: It guides us on "how to stay right". And praise God, you will find all four of these divine purposes gloriously fulfilled within the chapters of Proverbs. These inspired sayings instruct us on God, humanity, sin, creation, and a host of other vital doctrinal truths. They powerfully rebuke our lying, laziness, drunkenness, sexual sins, and other personal failures. But Proverbs does not stop at conviction; it tenderly administers correction, showing us how to turn from sin, mend our ways, and steadfastly remain on the path of wisdom.

Unlike the often-contradictory wisdom of man-made proverbs—where "Look before you leap" clashes with "He who hesitates is lost," or "Many hands make light work" is countered by "Too many cooks spoil the broth"—the proverbs in Scripture are perfectly consistent with one another and with the entire tapestry of divine truth woven throughout the Bible. Furthermore, we, the children of God, have the indwelling Holy Spirit, "the Spirit of wisdom" (Isa. 11:2; Eph. 1:17), to illuminate our hearts as we seek God’s wisdom in His holy Word.

Pastor Sam also explores why Solomon chose this literary form. In ancient Israel, most people, apart from kings, prophets, and priests, did not possess copies of the sacred books. Their spiritual lives depended on memorizing God’s truth. Imagine Solomon writing a lengthy lecture on pride; few would remember it. Instead, he penned a concise proverb: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18 NIV). In its original Hebrew, it is only seven words – easily memorized even by a child. Proverbs, being "brief and pictorial," are readily memorized, recalled, and shared. Just as Lincoln’s two-minute Gettysburg Address is etched on hearts more than longer orations, so too are these divine proverbs. They equip believers with the wisdom needed for daily right decisions.

These profound truths touch every sphere of human life: managing wealth, building friendships, nurturing a happy home, resisting temptation, controlling our emotions, disciplining our tongues, and cultivating godly character. Now, one might wonder why the Holy Spirit didn't arrange these proverbs topically for quick reference. Pastor Sam, echoing Derek Kidner, wisely explains that Proverbs is not a mere anthology, but rather "a course of education in the life of wisdom". As we journey through it chapter by chapter, the Spirit of God is free to instruct us on diverse subjects, addressing our specific needs each day. The arrangement is not like a systematic theology, but more like a kaleidoscope, constantly revealing new patterns of truth.

The book unfolds in distinct sections:

• Chapters 1-9 emphasize "wisdom" and "folly," personified as two women. Wisdom calls to all, offering salvation, wealth, and life; Folly, in contrast, offers immediate gratification but leads to tragic consequences: condemnation, poverty, and death.
• Chapters 10-15 present vivid contrasts between the life led by wisdom and the life ensnared by folly.
• The final chapters (16-31) offer a rich variety of proverbs providing counsel for many crucial areas of life. Indeed, as Pastor Sam notes, God's wisdom in arranging the book this way is evident, guiding us progressively in this "course of education".

Wisdom, brothers and sisters, is not an abstract concept beyond our reach. Through His Word and by His Spirit, God daily calls us to a life of wisdom. This journey must begin with an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, for He Himself "became to us wisdom from God" (1 Cor. 1:30 NASB). Wisdom and Folly vie for control of our lives; we must make the righteous choice. And once committed, we must remember that our decisions carry consequences, as vividly depicted in the contrasts of chapters 10-15 between wisdom and folly, faith and unbelief, obedience and disobedience. There can be no compromise if we desire God's blessing. The latter section (16-31) continues to offer vital counsel for developing spiritual discernment and making truly wise decisions.

The Unlocking Key: The Fear of the Lord

Central to understanding this entire book, Pastor Sam identifies a critical "unlocking" verse: Proverbs 1:7. It declares, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning (Chief part) of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction". This foundational truth is further amplified in Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding". This echoes profound truths found in Job 28:28 and Psalm 111:10, underscoring its pivotal importance.

Pastor Sam highlights that "the fear of the LORD" is referenced at least eighteen times within Proverbs (1:7, 29; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:2, 26–27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 24:21; 31:30). This isn't a servile terror, like a slave fearing a master, but a "reverential and respectful fear of the child before the parent". To truly fear the Lord means acknowledging Him wholeheartedly as Creator, Father, and Master. It means deeply respecting Him for who He is, listening attentively to His voice, and obeying His Word, knowing that disobedience grieves Him, hinders our fellowship, and invites His loving chastening. Children fear not just punishment, but also the pain their actions might inflict upon their loving parents. Proverbs 13:13 further admonishes us to fear God’s commandments, teaching us that how we treat His Word directly reflects how we treat God Himself. Charles Bridges, as quoted by Pastor Sam, beautifully defines this fear as "that affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father’s law".

The six verses preceding this key verse (1:7) articulate the very purpose for which Proverbs was written: to bestow upon us wisdom, instruction, understanding, prudence (often translated as subtlety), knowledge, discretion, learning, and counsel. All these beautiful virtues flow from and depend on wisdom, often serving as its practical synonyms. Pastor Sam explains these terms with precision:

• Wisdom: This is about embodying God’s character in the everyday practicalities of life.
• Instruction: This carries the idea of discipline, the loving correction from a parent that shapes a child's character.
• Understanding: This is the blessed ability to grasp truth with keen insight and discernment.
• Prudence (or Subtlety): This is an intelligence that sees the underlying reasons for things, enabling wise decisions in complex matters (though it can also have a negative sense, meaning craftiness, as used to describe Satan in Genesis 3:1).
• Knowledge: Originating from a Hebrew root signifying skill in various crafts (like hunting, sailing, or playing music), this word speaks to the ability to distinguish, giving us our English word "science".
• Discretion: This is the capacity to formulate wise plans after thoroughly understanding a matter, again, with a potential negative connotation of devising a plot.
• Learning: From a Hebrew root meaning "to lay hold of, to grasp, to acquire," this refers to truly apprehending something with the mind.
• Counsel: Related to the verb "to steer a ship," this signifies wise guidance that directs one's life in the correct direction. These eight magnificent words, repeated throughout Proverbs, collectively summarize Solomon’s profound understanding of wisdom.

Christ, Our Wisdom: The Heart of Proverbs

Ultimately, Pastor Sam directs our gaze to the glorious truth that Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of the wisdom we seek in Proverbs. In Him, "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3), and He Himself is our wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). While Solomon was the wisest ruler to ever live, our Lord Jesus Christ is infinitely "greater than Solomon" in both His wisdom and His divine wealth (Matt. 12:42). Every beautiful quality of wisdom described in Proverbs finds its perfect expression in Jesus Christ, and His earthly life provides the perfect pattern for God’s people to emulate (1 John 2:6).

Pastor Sam shares how Proverbs 8:22–31, which describes wisdom personified as a joyful son, a master craftsman at the Father's side during creation, beautifully suggests Jesus Christ as the eternal wisdom of God. This passage highlights that wisdom is a primary and fundamental attribute of God, the very foundation upon which all life is built. The "laws of nature," the bedrock of modern science, were intrinsically woven into the fabric of the universe by God’s infinite wisdom. When we honestly study creation through any branch of science, we are, in essence, "thinking God’s thoughts after Him". Jesus Christ, the eternal creative Word, was present from the very beginning (John 1:1–5; Heb. 1:1–4; Col. 1:15–17). Truly wise people endeavor to understand and obey these eternal "wise principles" embedded within creation.

A Spiritual Harvest: How to Maximize Our Study

Finally, Pastor Sam addresses the crucial question of how to extract the most spiritual nourishment from this book. Solomon’s frequent use of "my son" (e.g., Prov. 1:8, 10, 15; 2:1; 3:1, 11, 21; 4:10, 20) reveals that Proverbs contains loving, godly counsel meant for parents to impart to their children (1 Chron. 29:1). As God’s beloved children, we desperately need His loving counsel, and He graciously provides it here.

Therefore, the first and most essential prerequisite for a fruitful study of Proverbs is faith in Jesus Christ. Only through Him can you truly call God your Father. You cannot genuinely "make a life" until you first have life, and that eternal life comes solely through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16, 36).

Beyond initial faith, the spiritual principles that apply to studying any book of the Bible are equally vital for Proverbs: we must be spiritually prepared, diligent, disciplined in our study, and obedient to God’s Word. Without these, our understanding will remain shallow. A genuine willingness to obey is paramount, as Jesus Himself taught (John 7:17). F. W. Robertson wisely stated that "obedience is the organ of spiritual knowledge". The Holy Spirit teaches the serious, not merely the curious.

Pastor Sam highlights the frequent imperatives in Proverbs to "hear" or "hearken" (e.g., Prov. 1:8; 4:1, 10; 5:7; 7:24; 8:6, 32–33; 19:20; 22:17; 23:19, 22). The blessings promised to those who heed God’s Word are abundant (1:5, 33; 8:34; 12:15; 15:31–32). Conversely, Solomon sternly warns us against listening to instruction that would lead us astray (19:27; Ps. 1:1). This doesn't mean Christian students cannot engage with classical literature or writings by nonbelievers; rather, it means they must exercise discernment, reading everything through the illuminating lens of Scripture. The wise counsel of Robert Murray M’Cheyne resonates here: "Beware the atmosphere of the classics," he wrote, urging us to handle them "as chemists handle poisons—to discover their qualities, not to infect their blood with them".

Crucially, as we study, we must always remember that Hebrew proverbs are generally generalized statements of what is usually true in life, not absolute, ironclad promises. While "A friend loves at all times" (Prov. 17:17 NKJV) is generally true, even the closest friends can experience disagreements. A "soft answer turns away wrath" (15:1 NKJV) in most cases, yet our gentle Lord Jesus was not spared shame and suffering. The promise of a long life for the obedient (e.g., Prov. 3:2, 22; 4:10, 22; 8:35; 9:11) is generally true, encouraging wise living. Obedient believers tend to care for their bodies and minds, avoiding destructive substances and practices. Yet, history bears witness to godly saints like David Brainerd, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Henry Martyn, and William Whiting Borden, who died tragically young, while some godless rebels have lived to old age. Similarly, "The righteous person is rescued from trouble" (Prov. 11:8) certainly happened for Mordecai and Daniel, but countless Christian martyrs attest that this is not an absolute guarantee in this earthly life. Indeed, as Psalm 73 reveals, sometimes the wicked seem to prosper in this world, but the godly find their ultimate reward in eternity.

The book of Proverbs, brothers and sisters, focuses primarily on this present life, providing us with divine guidelines for making wise decisions that lead to a truly satisfying life, a life lived to the glory of God. It is not merely about the length of our days, but the depth of our devotion and the quality of our living. Fools may wade in the shallow waters of temporary pleasures, but the wise launch out into the deep, allowing God to bestow His very best upon them. May we, therefore, approach this blessed book with reverence, obedience, and a longing for the wisdom that comes from above! Amen.