“The Book of Proverbs is a delight to ponder, yet it is extremely difficult to preach” (Deffinbaugh).
We have just concluded a series of sermons from the book of Proverbs. The onus is for each one of us to read the Proverbs devotionally or study the Proverbs diligently. The goal is to develop godly character and Christian ethics at work and in society.
Pursue godliness for this is good for your life now and for the life to come (1 Tim 6:6-11). The pursuit of wealth is disastrous to one’s faith.
“Proverbs is a book that is concerned with the development of godly character. Character is more important that charisma. A man is measured more by his character than by his creed (cf. I Tim. 3).” A godly man professes and practices biblical truths (James 2:14-26). The goal of the Christian is to become like Christ (Rom. 8:29 Eph. 4:13) (Deffinbaugh).
Acquire wisdom and apply wisdom from the study of the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs is an ideal book for daily reading in one month. There are only 31 chapters.
While the Psalms are excellent for renewal of devotion to God, the Proverbs are pragmatic and down-to-earth. Proverbs help the believer remain faithful to God in a world full of guile and evil.
You can find many nuggets of truth for application in most areas of life. Examples are:
1. If you are among friends in the school and in the work place, you must be wise and get wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Not all friends are truthful and trustworthy. If you think you are worldly wise, God’s wisdom will humble you. Proverbs can teach you to fear God and heed His advice. They can help you discern reliable friends from cheating ones. They can help you to avoid white collar crimes and fall into sexual sins.
2. The book of Proverbs also counsels a Christian on the choice of a life partner. Evidence of godly character is an important trait. A woman with faith in God should be preferred to one with wealth, beauty and charm. A virtuous woman is a gift of God to the godly man (Proverbs 31:10-31). Do not marry a man who cannot control his temper (22:24-25). Many battered wives will say “Amen” to this wisdom. For those who face difficulties in marriage, trust in the Lord to mould you first. He will fashion your partner who is not up to His standard. God is the Potter, we are the clay.
I trust that you will set aside time to read and study the book of Proverbs at least a few times in your life-time. There is a difference between intelligence and biblical wisdom, between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Biblical fools despise God’s discipline.
The Introduction to Proverbs by Bob Deffinbaugh will spur you to read the Proverbs. https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-proverbs.
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
