The book of Proverbs is an interesting book that is seldom used in churches to preach with or used for Sunday school lessons. This is partly because at first glance the book of Proverbs might seem like a book full of scattered wisdom, sayings and practical advice. The purpose of this book can be read in the first couple of verses. The book was written by Solomon the son of David for the purpose of “gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.”
The text state that “the fear of The Lord is wisdom,” but “fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This sentence encapsulates the purpose of the book of Proverbs. It also highlights the sentence structure which juxtaposes a blessing or wisdom with a curse or consequence or rebuke that is use prominently throughout the book. This fear is not one of intimidation but one of reverence. It’s not the type of fear that we experience when we are afraid of the unknown or of consequences. This fear is more like awe, similar to standing in the presence of someone great, knowing the power and authority this figure holds. Is this type of fear. As we explore this book we will see that many of the passages revolve around a father bestowing his wisdom towards his son. This however, does not mean that the wisdom found here is only for sons. Wisdom is wisdom and it is meant for everyone.
The first exhortation in the book is to not follow the invitation of sinful men. Verse fifteen and sixteen reads,“my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.”
How easy is it to do the wrong thing. How easy is it to join in on something that we know we should not do. It is easy to justify our actions “because everyone else is doing it,” finding nothing wrong with our actions and how it might affect others. How easy is it to laugh at an inappropriate joke, or lend our voice to criticism, course joking or “white harmless” lies. Nevertheless, there is a warning for us if we go along. If we follow those that are doing this, if join in, calamity will come to us and we will surely share the same fate found in verse eighteen, “These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves!” In other words they will rush into their own destruction. If we are to be wise we need to heed the advice and wisdom written in this book, for if we do we “will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
My question to you today is, are you following those that will lead you to the path of destruction? or is your life characterized by peace and without fear? Are we not only tolerating the sin around us but being complicit to it? or are we making sure that we live holy and righteous lives?
Take time to examine your life, your actions, your surroundings and those who are around you. Let’s take stock in what we are holding on to and what we are doing. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there is anything that is not pleasing to Him and allow God to cleanse you. The promise is that we will live in peace…I want to live in peace. Do you?
ap|chronicles 