PONDERING the PRINCIPLES of PROVERBS
This is the beginning of a series of studies in the Book of Proverbs. The Proverbs were written by Solomon, commonly known as the wisest man who ever lived.
The concept of a proverb and wisdom are inextricably linked in that a proverb is a statement of wisdom given in a succinct manner. The definition I learned as a child was that a proverb was a “pithy statement.”
The concept of a proverb and wisdom are inextricably linked in that a proverb is a statement of wisdom given in a succinct manner. The definition I learned as a child was that a proverb was a “pithy statement.”
We often use proverbs in our everyday speech. For instance, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There is old folk wisdom in that proverb. In our modern age we have discovered that there was more truth to that proverb than we assumed. Those who are wise, however, continued the practice of often eating an apple.
Another instance of a proverb you may have grown up with might be, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” In today's economy, we do not put much value in a penny, but that does not negate the wisdom of saving found in the proverb.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is an old proverb that those who have recognized the dangers of modern food “science” often quote. While buying local, non-processed foods may cost a little more “going out the door,” the health benefits associated with fewer trips to the doctor are undeniable. Those trips to the doctor add up financially and far outstrip the meager investment in good nutrition.
These sorts of things are contained in the Book of Proverbs, and we would do well to learn their wisdom. (From here on out, when I am referring to the book that is contained in the bible, I will capitalize the word “Proverbs,” instead of writing out “the Book of Proverbs.” If I am referring to proverbs that we have learned in life, I will not capitalize the word, but simply write “proverbs.”)
The Proverbs address almost every aspect of life and living. There is wisdom concerning relationships, children and parents, money, business, health, communication, emotions, marriage, government, and even driving on our modern highways.
I originally intended to go through Proverbs by treating the various themes, but I realized that it could easily become boring both to me as the writer and you the reader. Therefore, I will simply go through the Proverbs as we find them. This will allow for and cause some repetition, but that is not always a bad thing.
I will not treat each verse, because this is not designed to be a commentary on the scriptures. Rather, I will only deal with those proverbs that have an immediate application in the life of those who desire to grow in wisdom. (Let the wise understand.)
Admittedly, this series will be geared toward those who profess a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, if you are not a believer, and have read this far, I urge you to stay tuned for as long as you can put up with me. Much of the wisdom of Proverbs is of a quite practical nature, and will benefit any and all who learn from them. Just like gravity, they are universally true regardless of belief or acceptance.
I am continually amazed by the modern teachers in the self-help/improvement movement who utilize the wisdom of Proverbs without ever referring to the bible. There is no escaping the fact that the Proverbs contain wisdom for success in this life regardless of one's spirituality or lack thereof.
So, stay with me for what I promise will be a fun ride. If somewhere along the line you feel that this is not for you. I will cheerfully refund the cost of your subscription.
Use the comments section below to share with everyone a proverb you recall. Maybe you can even share what it means to you.
If you haven't already, sign up to have these studies FREELY delivered directly to your inbox. Click on the "Subscribe" button on the upper right of this blog. Your e-mail address is safe with me, and will NEVER be given, sold, rented, or otherwise distributed to anyone else. Nor will I use it to solicit you by any other means. You will have the option to opt out of receiving the e-mails with each and every posting.
Another instance of a proverb you may have grown up with might be, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” In today's economy, we do not put much value in a penny, but that does not negate the wisdom of saving found in the proverb.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is an old proverb that those who have recognized the dangers of modern food “science” often quote. While buying local, non-processed foods may cost a little more “going out the door,” the health benefits associated with fewer trips to the doctor are undeniable. Those trips to the doctor add up financially and far outstrip the meager investment in good nutrition.
These sorts of things are contained in the Book of Proverbs, and we would do well to learn their wisdom. (From here on out, when I am referring to the book that is contained in the bible, I will capitalize the word “Proverbs,” instead of writing out “the Book of Proverbs.” If I am referring to proverbs that we have learned in life, I will not capitalize the word, but simply write “proverbs.”)
The Proverbs address almost every aspect of life and living. There is wisdom concerning relationships, children and parents, money, business, health, communication, emotions, marriage, government, and even driving on our modern highways.
I originally intended to go through Proverbs by treating the various themes, but I realized that it could easily become boring both to me as the writer and you the reader. Therefore, I will simply go through the Proverbs as we find them. This will allow for and cause some repetition, but that is not always a bad thing.
I will not treat each verse, because this is not designed to be a commentary on the scriptures. Rather, I will only deal with those proverbs that have an immediate application in the life of those who desire to grow in wisdom. (Let the wise understand.)
Admittedly, this series will be geared toward those who profess a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, if you are not a believer, and have read this far, I urge you to stay tuned for as long as you can put up with me. Much of the wisdom of Proverbs is of a quite practical nature, and will benefit any and all who learn from them. Just like gravity, they are universally true regardless of belief or acceptance.
I am continually amazed by the modern teachers in the self-help/improvement movement who utilize the wisdom of Proverbs without ever referring to the bible. There is no escaping the fact that the Proverbs contain wisdom for success in this life regardless of one's spirituality or lack thereof.
So, stay with me for what I promise will be a fun ride. If somewhere along the line you feel that this is not for you. I will cheerfully refund the cost of your subscription.
Use the comments section below to share with everyone a proverb you recall. Maybe you can even share what it means to you.
If you haven't already, sign up to have these studies FREELY delivered directly to your inbox. Click on the "Subscribe" button on the upper right of this blog. Your e-mail address is safe with me, and will NEVER be given, sold, rented, or otherwise distributed to anyone else. Nor will I use it to solicit you by any other means. You will have the option to opt out of receiving the e-mails with each and every posting.
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