What is the point of wisdom? I mean, it’s not like we all don’t get a fair amount of wisdom in the course of our lives: Don’t put a fork in the microwave. Steer into the skid. Watch the outfielders to determine where a fly ball is going. Don’t chew tinfoil. Don’t put your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I wasn’t kidding about the forks and the microwave. Etc. Etc. Given this flood of wisdom (perhaps I should say “wisdom”), it’s easy to file the book of Proverbs in the same category of useful tips, along the lines of one of those lists that currently seem to make up about 75% of the Internet, e.g. “11 Things You’re Doing Right Now That Could Kill You Dead This Second.” Viewed that way, the point of wisdom is: hey, here’s some good advice. And, as Christians, we begin to add something extra to Proverbs: here’s something else we need to do so God will like us.
The actual thesis statement of Proverbs, though, is different:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (1:7 ESV)
Fear of the LORD is the ultimate purpose of wisdom; by trying to understand and apply the advice and commands we see in this book, we are ultimately putting God in the proper place as above us and above all His creation. Like any other part of the Christian life, living wisely is fundamentally worship. We are not working towards some noble ideal of wisdom on our own; we are living as sinners, in need of grace, and in need of a Savior. And yes, some good advice.
Such as that thing about the forks and the microwave. Take that one from me.
I like what you said about FEAR of The Lord! That's the purpose right there! A great way to start proverbs-reminding ourselves about our life purpose! For fear of The Lord leads to understanding wisdom! Proverbs 1:2-"For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight"
ReplyDeleteAs we go on, vs. 20-21 talk about how wisdom is all around us- we just need to recognize it and understand! Then when we get into vs. 27 it talks about how we look for wisdom when we are in trouble or in distress--- and wisdom will not be there! We must choose to FEAR THE LORD from the start (not just when we are in trouble!) He must guide our thoughts and lives moment by moment and day by day! We need to be ready for whatever comes out way! We must listen to what The Lord has to say! This challenges me to continue to seek Gods word more and more for counsel in the midst of life circumstances! Wow- the proverbs are just full of little wisdom trinkets!! (Random thought- I think we should make proverb fortune cookies!!)
I also like how you equate living wisely as being worship. That was a neat thing to read that struck a chord with me.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff.
ReplyDeleteLet's try the fork microwave experiment on Wednesday at Kari's