Proverbs...Why?

Good Morning,

Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to the 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.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

This morning I was led to read some verses in chapter three of Proverbs. Then, as sometimes happens, I went back to see what was in chapter two, and, again, I went back to read chapter one. This, I'm sure, is what God wanted me to see and to send along. Why? I often wonder that myself when I read these verses or that section of Scripture. Sometimes my first reaction or thought is, "Hmmm...why...???" Sometimes it's, "Wow! I never knew that!" Sometimes it's, "Thank you! I needed that today."

My thoughts about what we read today? Mostly it's that we're given the reason...no, not one reason, but several reasons...that we ought to be more familiar with the Book of Proverbs than most of us probably are. Let's look again, together, at what Solomon set down as to why we should delve very closely into the words God gave to him and that he obediently wrote.

We need to study Solomon's writing more closely because we need what is contained in it.

Wisdom. Discipline. Insight. Living a prudent life. Doing what is right, just, and fair. Giving prudence (giving wisdom and understanding to practical things) to those who need it. Giving knowledge and understanding to the young.

Then...

So the wise will listen and add to their learning. So those who are discerning will get guidance. So we will be able to understand proverbs and parables and sayings and riddles of those who are wise.

Finally, Solomon reminds us that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." That seems to go without saying, but then, maybe not for some. And then he tells us, "Fools despise wisdom and discipline." There's a lot there in those few words. Think about it.

As I read all of these things and my mind kind of looks into each of the reasons that we're given, I realize that I want what Solomon wrote down. I want each of the things in my life that can be gained by reading and studying the Book of Proverbs. I also DON'T want to be what he says I could be if I don't take the wisdom and discipline he brings us in his writings. I don't want to be a fool!

So much can be written about what all of these ideas can mean and how we ought to put them into practical use in our lives. And, I suppose that much SHOULD be written and discussed and thought about in the Proverbs. But, not today. Today, what we are told, I think, is that we need to spend more of our time and study and meditation on the Book of Proverbs. There are thirty one chapters in the Book of Proverbs. There are thirty one days in 6 of our months. Seems not to be a coincidence to me. I've read before that it's a really good idea to take one of those 31 day months and read a chapter of Proverbs each day. I think it is. So, let me see...

January is the next month we face which has 31 days. I think that God is asking me to take on this task and read the Book of Proverbs in January. I would guess that it would be a good idea for me to obey Him. So, I shall do as I'm being told.

Want to join me? Up to you. Pray about it. Think about it. It really is a very good idea.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David