Wisdom from Proverbs

What are some sayings you grew up hearing? Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and author, coined many wise sayings through his “Poor Richard’s Proverbs,” including one my mother often used: “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” Franklin also wrote the familiar proverb: “early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” The tradition and culture of Franklin’s day dictated that people were versed in and ready to give practical wisdom for any situation and hence, his written collection of proverbs. 

I confess I feel a bit cheated by Franklin’s proverb, as I go to bed fairly early and am a morning person but haven’t experienced the full result of health, wealth and wisdom.

I want to be wise though. In fact, many of my prayers include asking God for wisdom–for myself, family, friends, doctors... As Christians, we undoubtedly desire and need wisdom daily as we encounter life’s many challenges. So, what is this wisdom we long to possess? Wisdom is so much more than just knowing the right thing to do or say. The Hebrew word for wisdom is “chokma” and has an illuminating meaning. It means “skill” and was used to describe skilled artisans such as those who were tasked with making Aaron’s priestly garments in Exodus 28:3. Therefore, wisdom involves action and perseverance to develop it. Chokma is an attribute of God. It is part of the sanctification process as we live in and navigate God’s moral universe. The book of Proverbs teaches us how to use discernment to live well in the world and is for every person in every season of life.

Like Franklin’s proverbs, we desire pithy sayings that give us a simple formula for success. However, Proverbs are not promises. They are principles or probabilities. As an elementary school teacher, I taught the concept of probability to my students, and I used a continuum labeled “impossible, unlikely, equally likely, likely and certain.” Proverbs fall into the “likely” category. In other words, if we choose the way of wisdom, the consequences will be generally positive, while ignoring God’s wisdom and acting foolishly will alternatively not turn out well. 

This truth bothered me when I discovered it because my temporal self wants certainties I can count on, not likelihoods. However, our experiences affirm that proverbs are general truths, not promises, because we can point to exceptions in our lives and the world around us. For example, Daniel is noted for obeying God yet, he was sentenced to a den of lions. But Daniel’s faith in a good and just God was certain!  We, too, can exercise that kind of faith. In fact, faith is a necessary and active ingredient in developing wisdom. When our obedience is seemingly unrewarded while the wicked go unpunished, we have an opportunity to activate wisdom and trust our good, sovereign, and wise God. I have come to realize while Proverbs are likely, our God is certain. He will do what is right (Genesis 18:25) and though it may be seemingly delayed, God’s justice will ultimately come to pass (Revelation 22:12).

Proverbs presents clear cut choices–the way of wisdom or the way of folly; the way of righteousness or the way of wickedness. Wisdom and Folly both extend invitations to partake in their offerings. 

In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” 

Moses told the Israelites, “I call heaven and earth to witness this day: I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Therefore, choose life, so that you and your descendants may live.” 

This life is full of serious, high‑stakes choices and realities. How essential do you believe wisdom from the creator of the world is?

-Martha Spencer