The Book of Proverbs is full of practical principles to practice. It was written by King Solomon, who is said to be the wisest man who ever lived. Why was he so wise? Because when Solomon became king after his father David, he had some big shoes to fill. So when God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Solomon wisely asked for wisdom so he could lead well and discern between right and wrong. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and He gave him a “wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have.” (1 Kings 3:5-14)
As the wisest man that ever lived, with wisdom imparted by God, Solomon is qualified to provide us with practical principles to practice. Proverbs is a book filled with nuggets of wisdom. These aren’t promises, but general, fundamental truths to live by. Wisdom imparted in bite-sized morsels that are easy to memorize and apply to life.
“A proverb is a general principle that when generally applied brings a general result.” – Adrian Rogers
Why should we read the Proverbs? The opening verses answer this question for us.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. – Proverbs 1:2-3 NLT
We read the Proverbs in order to:
Gain Wisdom.
The word used here for wisdom means firmness, as in strength of mind. This type of wisdom enables us to form opinions based on sound reason. As Christians, we need a Biblical worldview to form our opinions. The Bible must be the foundational source of our wisdom, and Proverbs is a great place to gain that.
Cultivate Discipline.
Discipline and wisdom go hand in hand. It’s not just what we know that matters, it’s what we do with what we know. As you read the book of Proverbs, you will feed your soul with the principles you need to live a disciplined life.
Develop Discernment.
The Bible talks a lot about discernment. It is necessary in order to distinguish between God’s way and the way that leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13-14) We need the ability to wade through the tsunami of information (and misinformation) available to us today. Throughout the Proverbs, Solomon contrasts between good and evil.
There are 31 books in Proverbs making it the perfect daily devotional. When you sit down to read Proverbs (or any part of the Bible) ask God to reveal things that you can apply to your life. When you feel a personal tug from a verse, pay attention. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Apply it. Allow it to change you.
The Book of Proverbs will teach you valuable lessons on how to live a disciplined and successful life in a way that is right, just, and fair.
