Websters defines prudence as “having discretion in practical affairs”. This seemingly falls in line with the topic of today’s post: Proverbs 1-6.
Our pastor issued a challenge for us to read a Proverbs chapter per day as we begin studying the book as a congregation. Rather than write about what I learned daily, I found it more fitting to sum up my first week. Some of the truths are quite practical, and others very profound:
Chapter 1 – Knowledge can only begin when we genuinely fear the Lord. This chapter concludes with a promise of safety and ease for those who fear the Lord and possess this wisdom. Sooo…fear brings peace? I stumbled upon yet another Biblical paradigm: Fear = Ease.
Chapter 2 – v.3-4 He is saying to be relentless and not give up. This wisdom is worth the pursuit. When we chase Him we will find Him and walk in victory, and when we remain here (in righteousness), then the wisdom will continue….and thus we will be connected.
Chapter 3 – Being wise brings good health: healthy heart, healthy relationships. The most interesting thing I have found thusfar is the references in v.3 and v.21. Both places he refers to wearing two things around your neck. V.3 he says love and faithfulness. V. 21 he says judgement and discernment. When I think about something on your neck, I thing of something round that has no beginning and no end…the things the writer speaks of coincide with one another ( love and faithfulness) (judgement and discernment). When you keep these things around your neck, what are you actually doing? Wearing them? Keeping them close to your head? Protecting yourself? Adorning yourself with something beautiful? All of the above. I think these implications are profound and totally worth discussion…
Chapter 4 – I’m intrigued to know why the writer refers to wisdom as “she” or in some translations “her”. Again, totally worth discussion… This passage is saying that we need to cling to wisdom as a place of refuge. We should stay focused on the task and forth going. This ensures a straight path and purity in His sight.
Chapter 5 – I find it interesting that the first reference of a specific sin that will distract wisdom is the sin of lust….in the previous chapters, he mentions unbelief, keeping focused, etc (which is sin), but this is the first one mentioned in depth….I wonder why lust, and not pride?
Chapter 6 – This one tells us the importance of making things right is we have wronged another person (I actually saw this lived out in the life of one of my friends this past week). Also the analogy he used regarding the ant is awesome….something so small and seemingly signifigant like the ant finds it necessary to plan ahead, as should we. V.21 shows us another reference to the neck….interesting…
Thats a lot of stuff for one week. I really wish I had someone to help me unpack it all…..I will write again next week when I have some more chapters to ponder. In the meantime, I welcome any thoughts or insight.
Peace.
3 Comments
September 2, 2008 at 9:07 pm
holla. i actually just put that verse about putting love and faithfulness around your neck on facebook.
September 3, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Good points. I always wondered why wisdom is referred to as “she”.
I also wonder why there is such an emphasis on lust and adultery in Proverbs. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that it was one of David’s largest failings as a man and a king? Or maybe it is because it is something that many people deal with? Good things to think about…
September 4, 2008 at 11:02 am
you wrote a lot.
a) when i think around your neck, i think close to your heart “carry this picture for luck, tucked in a locket, close to your chest, keep it a secret…”
b) i think the reference to wisdom as a woman could arise from the fact that women are known to pursue women, thus that is a natural parallel for the writer.
c) i think we can’t neglect the potential relationship between wisdom illustrated as a woman and the instruction to avoid adulterous women. perhaps this is simultaneously instruction to avoid “easy” wisdom?
d) i don’t really know, just my thoughts on your thoughts.