The Proverbs – A Manual on Practical Wisdom

The Bible tells us that ALL of the Holy Scriptures are “able to make you wise” (2Timothy 3:15):

ALL (every) Scripture is given by inspiration of God (divinely breathed), and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that each person who belongs to God may be perfect (perfected, complete), thoroughly equipped for every good work (2Timothy 3:16-17).

We thus understand that the entire written Word of God [the Holy Bible] is the only true source of Wisdom. It is the only guide that will help us learn how to obtain a wise and understanding heart. Only the written Scriptures will lead us into knowing how to receive the true and superior Wisdom of Yahuwah Elohim [the Hebrew name for the LORD God]:

The entrance of Your Words give light [direction, enlightenment]; it [God’s Word] gives understanding unto the simple. (Psalms 119:130)

Your Word is a lamp [guidance] unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

A Practical Wisdom

Found within the heart of the Bible, the Book of Proverbs is a great Instruction Manual on Practical Wisdom! The Book of Proverbs is unique, in that it offers much in the way of gaining insight and understanding for many day-to-day issues and principles. It is a good place to begin learning God’s very practical Wisdom!

The Proverbs urge us many times, and in various ways, to “Get Wisdom!” Learning steps to obtaining Wisdom is one of the first things we need in order to grow up into a mature and responsible person.

For me personally, it was the Book of Proverbs in the Bible that led to my own awareness of my sinful ways, and the realization of my need for a Saviour. The Proverbs revealed to me the True, Everlasting Path that leads to Life and Well-Being (see Proverbs 3:13-18; Proverbs 4:20-22; Proverbs 6:20-23; Proverbs 8:32-35).

When I first began to read the Book of Proverbs, I was thirsting for honest, honourable direction. I was hungering for true and righteous counsel. Unknown to me at the time, I was thirsting for the Fountain of Living Waters (John 4:10). As I began reading the Proverbs, the excellency of the Words touched and stirred the deepest part of my being — my spirit.

I had already tasted of what the world offers [the devil’s influence through worldly inticements and teachings]. I had tasted the world’s bitter offers for direction and satisfaction. But instead of satisfying and answering my needs, what the world offered was terrible, evil, and destructive! (John 10:10; Revelation 12:9; Ephesians 4:14).

Helpful Guidelines

As we saw in Wisdom’s Call, Yahuwah is always calling unto us, by His Holy Spirit, to receieve His guidance and instruction, in order that we may enjoy this life He has given us, and walk in His protection. Wisdom from Yahuwah is His gift to us! When we heed Father’s Wisdom, then our understanding of His ways is enlightened, making our pathway with Him more sure and evident!

All of us are drawn to Wisdom. There is something profound about Wisdom. Everyone knows instinctively that by Wisdom, one may gain good direction and proper solutions, and may avoid problems and sorrows. That indeed is a treasure!

So what is so special about the Book of Proverbs in the Bible?

The Book of Proverbs is unique, in that it offers much in the way of gaining insight and understanding for many of the day-to-day issues and principles. As one begins to read through the Proverbs, he will discover many insights and guidelines into some of life’s basic principles.

Below is a brief list of some of the practical insights and helpful guidelines that are addressed in the Book of Proverbs, that will help us to walk in the Blessings of Yahuwah’s Wisdom:

  1. Our Attitude Toward Education
  2. Steps to Maintaining Humility
  3. Steps to Maintaining Friendships
  4. Guidelines into the Marriage Relationship
  5. Guidelines in Parental Relationships
  6. Guidelines on Raising Children
  7. The Importance of Obedience to God
  8. Insights on Trusting God
  9. Insights on Our Attitude Toward Authorities
  10. The Dangers of Pride
  11. The Importance of Our Words and Speech
  12. The Importance and Blessings of Wisdom
  13. Guidelines to Gaining Understanding
  14. The Dangers of Foolishness
  15. The Dangers of Slothfulness
  16. The Blessings of Diligence
  17. The Importance of Honesty and Purity
  18. The Importance of Our Clothing
  19. Insights on the Principle of Cause and Effect
  20. The Benefits of the Fear of the LORD
  21. Insights on Attitudes and Afflictions
  22. Guidelines on Food and Drink

From this list, we can see that there is a great deal of Wisdom we can learn in the Book of Proverbs. This list can seem overwhelming, but the good thing is that each Proverb has an average of about 20 verses. So if we read one-a-day, like taking our vitamins each day, we can digest one chapter of Proverbs at a time.

The Wisdom hidden within each of the Proverbs is so valuable, it is worth reading and re-reading many times over. Someone has suggested reading one chapter of Proverbs a day, each corresponding to the current day of the month. That is a good way to approach the Book of Proverbs. So, if the day of the month is the 3rd, then we read Proverbs Chapter 3 for that day.

Love God’s Word (Psalm 119)

When we begin to love God’s written Word [the Bible], and to follow His instructions and guidelines found throughout the Bible, we begin to experience the beginning of true Wisdom. Little by little, we begin to learn, that living by Father’s instructions is much more beneficial to us than living by our own reasonings or opinions!

We will find the Book of Proverbs is an excellent way to begin learning about the Wisdom from above — Yahuwah’s superior, eternal Wisdom (James 3:17), which differs from our own worldly wisdom, which we have all learned.

Living our life in harmony with Yahuwah’s Wisdom is the pathway to our well-being, and is a mighty shield that defends and protects us from the trickery of the devil.

We must also remember that our prayers are essential in our walk with our heavenly Father. Seeking His guidance in prayer in all situations we encounter is vital if we are to follow our Saviour’s command:

But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Learning Yahuwah’s Word one-step-at-a-time, and having secret prayer times with Father, will help us to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that the whispers and messages of the Holy Spirit’s guidance will always be in harmony with Father’s written Word [the Bible], as we have discussed in several other articles.

The Holy Spirit wants to guide us into all Truth (John 16:13-14), and His guidance is always according to the written Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will not contradict His own Words!

His guidance will always be in harmony with the written Word of God! And the more we learn what the Bible tells us, the better we can discern the heavenly Father’s direction for our life.

“Only the full treasure of the commandments of God can lead me securely through my life. I can be certain that there is no life situation for which God’s Word will not speak the necessary direction.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Book of Proverbs gives us great insight into basic life issues that we all encounter at various times throughout our lifetime.

So let us consider, that along with our other Bible reading, we would begin to read one chapter each day from the Proverbs — a Manual on Practical Wisdom.

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Cold Waters to a Thirsty Soul

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Posted in Building Character, Encouragement, Family, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Youth
2 comments on “The Proverbs – A Manual on Practical Wisdom
  1. William Lubumbula says:

    Thank you for sending me spiritual food, good people. May God bless you.
    But l have a question: is it right for a christian to get offering or support from a pagan.

    • goodnewsfromadistantland says:

      Thank you for your comment.
      I cannot answer your question. That is something you will have to pray about and seek God’s direction for yourself.

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