June 7, 2020, Proverbs 1 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

VIII.
Now that we’ve looked at this chapter in a couple of different ways, I have a question for today.

What knowledge and wisdom is included in what the Proverbist wants us to hear?

Since this is found in the Bible, maybe we are to think this is to be primarily about spiritual wisdom? Or, are we to expect theological truths?

I took some time and looked at a number of English translations of this chapter to see what words were used for the “wisdom” the writer had in mind. Below is what the writer calls us to seek –

discipline – discernment – equity
fairness – guidance – insight
instruction – integrity – judgment
justice – knowledge – law
learning – maturity – moral instruction
perception – prudence – right
righteousness – shrewdness – skill
skillful living – teaching – understanding
wisdom – wise counsels – wise dealing

That covers a lot of territory. In fact I suspect you could reasonably say the Proverbist wants us to know his instruction pertains to every aspect of our lives.

IX.
In closing for this week, I want to call your attention to the first seven verses of the chapter as they are found The Message translation –

These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *